We love to share opportunities for up-and-coming writers, and we have two new programs from TIFF that just opened this week.

The first is an in-person studio intensive that is open to writers from around the world. The second is a cash award designed to help a Canadian writer develop their project.

Find out more below!

TIFF Writers’ Studio

Since 2012, TIFF Writers’ Studio has developed programming and experiences to help writers grow and succeed.

The 2022 Writers' Studio is a  five-day intensive lab in person from March 21-25, 2022, at TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Participants will participate in workshops, panel discussions, peer-to-peer mentorship, and one-on-one project development consultations guided by industry experts.

Selected writers will also receive:

  • Access to the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival
  • Access to TIFF’s Industry Conference, Business Center, and Delegate Resources
  • A complimentary one-year TIFF Membership, which includes discounts on film tickets at TIFF Bell Lightbox
  • Access to films and special events presented by TIFF during Writers’ Studio
  • Access to TIFF’s renowned Film Reference Library and archival collection

A new addition to this year's workshop is the Renee Perlmutter Memorial Fellowship for Literary Adaptation. One applicant to the studio who is focusing on adapting literary work for the screen will be selected to receive an additional $3,000 grant toward developing their project.

TIFF invites both Canadian and international screenwriters and writer-directors to apply by Jan. 3.

Participants will be notified on Feb. 21. Participants are announced on March 1. The TIFF Writers’ Studio Lab will be held March 21-25.

TIFF-CBC Films Screenwriter Award

The TIFF-CBC Films Screenwriter Award will provide $15,000 to a Canadian writer of an outstanding feature-length screenplay.

The award is open to experienced screenwriters who identify as women, as belonging to an equity-seeking group, and/or as a person with a disability.

Applicants must also have a writer or director credit on a feature film that has been presented at one of this award’s recognized festivals.

The winner will receive:

  • A $15,000 award for the development of the submitted feature-film project
  • Mentorship from a script consultant
  • Mentorship from TIFF’s programming team
  • A complimentary one-year TIFF Membership, which includes discounts on film tickets at TIFF Bell Lightbox
  • Access to the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival
  • Access to TIFF’s Industry Conference, Business Center, and Delegate Resources

Eligible applicants should apply by Jan. 3. Find more information and apply here.

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