We play a wide variety of Canadian horror, sci-fi, action and thrillers. We need at least a Toronto Premiere to play it at our festival and local cast/crew screenings in the GTA are strongly discouraged.
Features are programmed by all six programmers.
We have a short film that opens each of the feature films. These films are usually under
12 minutes and are an eclectic mix of films that don’t usually fit our other categories.
Programmers: Melanie Turner and Norm McGlashan.
Our premiere of the darkest horror shorts program for the festival. Many of our sci-fi submissions usually fit under this category as well.
Programmers: Melanie Turner and Norm McGlashan.
Our medium length short film program of films that are usually somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes in length.
Programmers: Nadine L'Esperance and Dara Jade Moats..
Our web and digital series category. This also includes proof of concept shorts and music videos.
This is the only category where we don’t request at least a Toronto Premiere (but is certainly encouraged).
Programmers: Dara Jade Moats and Heidy Morales.
Our comedy, horror and genre films are sometimes on the light or unique side of things. Many of our animated films tend to be programmed here as well.
Programmers: Kassy Gascho and Nadine L'Esperance.
Our special showcase of some of the top new filmmakers making short films today. This is a combo of first time and student filmmakers.
Programmers: Heidy Morales and Kassy Gascho.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions. Please read this before submitting.
(Any other questions please reach out to us first: info@bloodinthesnow.ca).
Do you offer submission waivers?
Sorry no. We are a non-profit organization run by mostly volunteers and we need the fees to help run the festival.
However we try to keep our submission fees low and we encourage you to submit early to take advantage of early bird rates.
My film isn’t completely done, can I submit unfinished work?
No, we strongly encourage you to wait until the film is 100% done before submitting.
Our programmers won’t have time to rewatch the finished version, so it's best that you just give us final work.
Will my film fit in your programming?
It is hard to know before seeing it but if you think it would be a good fit for other major genre festivals like Fantasia,
CUFF or Fantastic Fest then it will likely fit our programming. We also recommend researching our past alumni titles (which are all listed on our website)
to see the variety we play.
Generally we play a wide mix of horror, sci-fi, thrillers, action and underground films.
This can include films that cross genre horror mixed with sci-fi, horror mixed with comedy etc… We have also played animated films,
documentaries and even films with puppets!
Why do you need a Toronto Premiere?
Our venue at the Isabel Bader Theatre is a large 500 seat theatre and we need the biggest chance we can to fill the venue both to give you a great
screening and so we can continue to afford to be at this great venue. Historically when we have played films without a premiere, it has impacted attendance.
Do you play anything that is outside Canada or does it have to be 100% Canadian?
We have an International-Canadian category for titles that is a bit Canadian but not completely. Under that category, just tell us how it is Canadian.
(For example: “Canadian director and crew but shot in the U.S.” etc..)
Can I send you a private link to watch first before submitting?
No, all submissions need to be submitted through FilmFreeway to be considered.
How are films selected for Blood in the Snow?
Every single feature and short film are watched by at least two programmers. If it scores well, then it is passed on to the other programmers.
All six programmers along with the Festival Director meet 2 to 3 times a year to discuss the submissions. Once the films are selected in early/mid October,
the Festival Director sends a personal letter of acceptance.
Do you offer feedback on the submission if it doesn’t get in?
Yes we can share the programmer notes with you but if it's asked for in October/November we might not be able to get back to you until the festival that year is over.
So please be patient.
What are the main reasons why most films are rejected?
It can be for a wide variety of reasons but the top two reasons historically have been issues with the sound and/or colour design or issues with its length/pacing.
Should I attend if we get into the festival?
Absolutely! In fact we expect you to and bring as many people as you can. We give each filmmaker a complimentary pass to attend all the screenings,
so we encourage you to attend your screening and as many other screenings throughout the week.
What should I expect if my film is accepted?
A screening in a large 500 seat theatre with 5.1 surround sound in a great time slot (all screenings are either 7 or 9:30pm or the Saturday at 4pm).
A complimentary screening pass. This will get you into all 13 programs at the festival.
Invites to networking cocktails throughout the week.
Invite you to be on our podcast show BITS Radio for an interview.
Guest list tickets to your screening (usually 3 tickets if it's a short film and 9 tickets for feature films).
You will be brought on stage to either introduce your film or be invited up for a Q&A (depending on the time slot given).
Receive our filmmaker pin (presented on stage) and sign our guest book.
Great photos of you and your cast and crew in front of our 17.5 feet long photo wall with our mascot!
Blood in the Snow films are also eligible for the Canadian Screen Awards (CSA).