The New Blood Creators Forum is a national initiative designed to bring emerging Canadian genre filmmakers inside the beating heart of BITS.
Built for creators with projects in early-stage development, the Forum offers a fully curated immersion into the BITS Horror Development Lab (opens in new tab), the Deadly Exposure Industry Conference (opens in new tab), and the festival's electrifying public program. This is not just a pass โ it is a guided experience.
Throughout the week, you will be guided by our New Blood Creators Forum Coordinator, your personal ambassador inside the festival. From orientation to closing night, you'll move through the experience as a cohort: attending events together, receiving facilitated introductions, and gaining insider knowledge on how genre projects move from concept to screen.
Whether you're sitting in on live pitch sessions, diving deep into panels, or meeting directors, producers, and screenwriters in intimate settings, you'll experience the full spectrum of what makes BITS a hub for Canadian genre storytelling. The New Blood Creators Forum is designed to demystify the industry space, break down barriers to entry, and build real belonging within Canada's horror and genre community.
In Partnership With
The New Blood Creators Pass Includes
Participants will receive a special New Blood Creators Pass, providing:
Access to observe the Horror Development Lab (opens in new tab) pitches.
Entry to Deadly Exposure (opens in new tab) panels, masterclasses, and networking events.
A curated festival screening lineup with a mix of feature and short film programs.
Structured opportunities to connect with peers and industry guests.
๐ฉธ This is not just a pass โ it is a guided experience.
Passes
Interested applicants will complete a basic application form when passes go on sale. Details will be posted here โ feel free to contact us with any questions in the meantime.
Eligibility
The Forum is intended for emerging filmmakers who are new to the festival and industry market environment and are ready to step into Canada's genre ecosystem with ambition, curiosity, and a willingness to grow. Applicants should:
- Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Ideally a narrative genre project in early-stage development (encouraged but not required).
- Be available to attend all the full festival dates (November 16 to 21, 2026).
- Fill out an attendance survey after the event logging success metrics of their experience.
FAQ
If you have additional questions, contact us at sarah@bloodinthesnow.ca โ we're happy to help!