Celebrating 15 years of
Breakthroughs Film Festival

For 15 years, Breakthroughs has championed emerging women, trans-masculine, and non-binary filmmakers across Canada. As an organization rooted in intersectional feminist values, we’re incredibly proud to have created a space where emerging filmmakers can share their work, build community, and take the next steps in their careers.

But as the arts sector faces an increasingly competitive and shrinking grant landscape, maintaining free and accessible programming like ours has become more challenging. That’s why, ahead of our 15th Annual Breakthroughs Film Festival, we’re turning to our community to help us continue this work.

Our goal is to raise $5000 by our festival weekend, December 4-5 .

Every contribution directly supports Breakthroughs’ ability to create accessible programming, showcase emerging Canadian filmmakers, and foster a festival community that reflects the artists we serve — young, largely queer, and with strong representation from BIPOC communities.

Any amount makes a difference. And, in honour of our 15th anniversary, we’re asking our community to consider giving $15 for 15 years of Breakthroughs. If you’re able to give more, your generosity will help us carry this work into our next 15 years.

Thank you for supporting the next generation of Canadian filmmakers — and for being part of the community that makes Breakthroughs possible.

Your donation directly empowers emerging women and gender-diverse filmmakers to share their stories, build their careers, and strengthen Ontario's film community. Every contribution helps us provide opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach for those starting out.

3% Cover the Fee

What Your Donation Makes Possible

  • Expand Access

    Supports subsidized tickets to reduce barriers for emerging filmmakers and local community.

  • Invest in Emerging Talent

    Support our cash prizes to women and gender-diverse filmmakers, giving them the financial support for their growing careers.

  • Foster Community

    Fund events where filmmakers connect, collaborate, and build the relationships that drive creative films and strong communities.

  • Sustain Our Team

    Invest in the people behind our mission. Your gift ensures we can offer fair, sustainable compensation to all of our staff and contractors.

  • Build Resources

    Help us develop and deliver more workshops, mentorship programs, and hands-on training for filmmakers at every stage.