2026 WIFT+ Toronto Showcase

2026 SELECTED PROJECTS

Blood or Water –  Kristina Mileska (Director, Writer)

Good Vibes Only – Sarah D'Ambrosio (Director, Writer, Producer)

peopleWatching – Bracken Burns (Producer)

Last Resort – Samiramis Kia (Director, Writer, Producer)

Alice is Fine – Sarah Hime (Writer, Producer, Star)
Vivien Endicott-Douglas (Director)

Surfistas –  Christina Ienna (Executive Producer, Cinematographer)

2026 PRIZES

In the last five years, WIFT+ Toronto has awarded more than $90,000 in cash prizes at our annual Showcase, through support from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto.

The following prizes will be awarded at the WIFT+ Toronto Showcase in 2026:

BEST of SHOWCASE (as chosen by the Jury)

A cash prize of $3,000 from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto; a $2,500 certificate for post-production work at Company 3 Toronto; a TIFF Industry membership; and a meeting with Andrew Frank, Co-President, Mongrel Media.

BEST WRITING (as chosen by the Jury)

A cash prize of $3,000 from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto; a sit-in on a CBC Writing Room (comedy or drama); a TIFF Industry membership; Final Draft 13 Writing Software.

BEST DIRECTING (as chosen by the Jury)

A cash prize of $3,000 from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto; a virtual meeting with a DGC Ontario director; a $3,000 certificate towards rental equipment from Ontario Camera; a TIFF Industry membership; and one General Level membership from the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT).

AUDIENCE CHOICE (as chosen by everyone in attendance)

A cash prize of $3,000 from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto; a $3,000 certificate towards rental equipment from Ontario Camera; a TIFF Industry membership; and one General Level membership from the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT).

*Please note that WIFT+ Toronto will facilitate the delivery of all prizes.

The Best of Showcase, Best Writing, and Best Directing awards are determined by a volunteer jury composed of WIFT+ Toronto members and industry professionals. This year’s jury members were:

Vanessa Case, Sadie Connolly, Nadia Dalimonte, Sonya Davidson, Fiona Highet, Zanda Kakaliia, Jennifer Mesich, Lakshmi Nair, Lanette Ware-Bushfield, Katelyn Wells, and Erin Williams-Weir

The 2026 WIFT+ Toronto Showcase is supported by the following organizations: Presenting Sponsor, CINEPLEX; Supporting Sponsor, Hollywood Suite; Event Partner, Company 3; and Event Supporters; CBC, DGC Ontario, the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto, Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT), Mongrel Media, Ontario Camera, and Suzanne K. Taylor

TICKET PRICES & DATES

EVENT DATE:  Wednesday, May 13th, 2026

Location: Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre (259 Richmond St W)

Doors Open: 6:00 PM

Start Time: 7:00 PM

 Awards: 8:30 - 9:00 PM

Reception at Ballroom Bowl: 9:00 - 11:00 PM

WIFT+ Member Advance Ticket  $30 +HST | Available Wednesday, April 1 -7 (make sure you are signed in to purchase - maximum of 1 per member)

WIFT+ Member Regular Ticket  $35 +HST | Available Wednesday, April 1 (make sure you are signed in to purchase - maximum of 2 per member)

General Public Ticket  $45 +HST | Available Wednesday, April 8

Limited discounted advance tickets are available to current WIFT+ Toronto members for one week before going on sale to the public.

*Please note that members are eligible for 1 Member Advance Ticket at the discounted price.

*Please note that tickets are non-refundable