ABOUT US

Established in 2011, Breakthroughs Film Festival (BFF) is a not for profit organization dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers who identify as women or non-binary. Our main yearly event is a festival that takes place in downtown Toronto, showcasing Canadian and International short films in all genres made by emerging directors of all ages, with a special category for New Generation artists (18-30 years old.) After each night of screenings, we host Q&A discussions with participating directors, giving audiences a chance to learn more about their work, upcoming projects, and discuss themes and ideas raised in the films shown. 

MISSION STATEMENT

BFF’s vision is to bridge the gender gap in the filmmaking industry, where women and non-binary directors make up a small percentage and must work even harder than their male counterparts to finance and exhibit their projects. Acknowledging the lack of representation in mainstream festival spaces, we prioritize the work, expressions, and experiences of those who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of colour, trans, non-binary, working class, neurodiverse, or people with disabilities. BFF is committed to programming independent films by emerging artists whose voices, perspectives, and artistic approaches counter dominant mainstream narratives. We are dedicated to fostering and strengthening the larger arts community by being a resource and space that emerging filmmakers can rely on for support, guidance, professional development, and community.