Do you offer submission waivers?

Sorry no. We are a non-profit run mostly by volunteers and we need the fees to help run the festival. However we try to keep submission fees low and encourage you to submit early to take advantage of early bird rates.

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 to give us final work.

Will my film fit your programming?

If you think it would be a good fit for Fantasia, CUFF or Fantastic Fest then it will likely fit our programming. We play a wide mix of horror, sci-fi, thrillers, action and underground films — including animated films, documentaries and even films with puppets!

Why do you need a Toronto Premiere?

Our venue at the Isabel Bader Theatre seats 500 and we need the best chance to fill it. Historically when we have played films without a premiere, it has impacted attendance.

Does it have to be 100% Canadian?

We have an International-Canadian category for titles that are partly Canadian. Just tell us how it is Canadian — for example: Canadian director and crew but shot in the U.S.

Can I send a private link before submitting?

No, all submissions need to be submitted through FilmFreeway to be considered.

How are films selected?

Every feature and short film is watched by at least two programmers. If it scores well it is passed on to the others. All programmers and the Festival Director meet 2–3 times a year to discuss submissions. Once films are selected in early/mid October, the Festival Director sends a personal letter of acceptance.

Do you offer feedback on rejected films?

Yes we can share programmer notes, but if asked in October/November we might not get back to you until after the festival. Please be patient.

What are the main reasons films are rejected?

The top two reasons historically have been issues with sound and/or colour design, or issues with length/pacing.

What should I expect if my film is accepted?

Screening in a 500 seat theatre with 5.1 surround sound, a complimentary screening pass to all 13 programs, invites to networking cocktails throughout the week, an invite to be on BITS Radio for an interview, guest list tickets (3 for shorts, 9 for features), on-stage introduction or Q&A, filmmaker pin presented on stage and guest book signing, and photos in front of our 17.5 ft photo wall with our mascot. BITS films are also eligible for the Canadian Screen Awards (CSA).

Blood in the Snow | Horror Film Festival Toronto

Name: Blood in the Snow Canadian Horror Film Festival 2026
Start: 2026-11-16
End: 2026-11-21
Location: Isabel Bader Theatre

Blood in the Snow Nightshift — Partner-Hosted Industry Mixer

The Nightshift is just getting started. Stay tuned for partner announcements in the coming weeks.

New for 2026

Blood in the Snow is proud to introduce BITS Nightshift, a new series of partner-hosted industry mixers taking place nightly from 6:00–10:00pm, November 16–21, 2026, at the Tranzac Club in downtown Toronto.

BITS Nightshift

Night Shift gives film organizations, community groups, media outlets, schools, and creative collectives the opportunity to host networking events within the festival environment — bringing new and emerging film professionals into the Blood in the Snow community through networking, community-building, and industry connection.

Is your organization interested in hosting a Night Shift event? Contact us to learn more about hosting networking events within the festival environment.

New Blood Creators Forum — Blood in the Snow Film Festival

Fresh voices. Bold visions. New blood. This is not just a pass — it is a guided experience.

New for 2026

Blood in the Snow is proud to introduce the New Blood Creators Forum, a national initiative designed to bring emerging Canadian genre filmmakers inside the beating heart of BITS.

New Blood Creators Forum

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 public program — with delegates guided by a dedicated New Blood Creators Coordinator as a cohort throughout the week.

Learn More About the Forum →

Early Bird Ends September 30 — Save 25% on BITS 2026 Festival Passes

2026 Festival Passes

Small Cohort Festival + Dev Lab + Deadly Exposure

New Blood Creators Pass

Fully curated immersion into the Festival, BITS Horror Development Lab and Deadly Exposure Industry Conference
Small, dynamic cohort guided by a dedicated New Blood Creators Coordinator
Reserved seating in the Isabel Bader Theatre for screenings
Unique events exclusive to New Blood Creators
Special welcome bag
15% off all BITS merch
Application required — must be available the entire festival week

Early Bird

$180

reg. $240

Get Pass → Apply →

Most Inclusive Film Festival + Deadly Exposure

Deluxe Deadly Exposure Pass

Industry round tables (Nov 19–20)
Deadly Exposure industry panels (Nov 20–21)
Priority access to all 8 feature films (TBD) Nov 16–21
All 5 short film programs — Dark Visions, Monsters & Martians, BITS and Bytes, Funny Frights & Unusual Sights, Bloody Spirits of Winter
Watch Dev Lab Micro Panels (Nov 16–17) — exclusive
Watch Dev Lab pitches (Nov 17) — exclusive
Industry Cocktails invite
15% off all BITS merch

Early Bird

$180

reg. $240

Get Pass →

Film Festival + Industry

Deadly Exposure Industry Pass

Industry round tables (Nov 19–20)
Deadly Exposure industry panels (Nov 20–21)
Priority access to all 8 feature films (TBD) Nov 16–21
All 5 short film programs — Dark Visions, Monsters & Martians, BITS and Bytes, Funny Frights & Unusual Sights, Bloody Spirits of Winter
Industry Cocktails invite
15% off all BITS merch

Early Bird

$135

reg. $180

Get Pass →

Best Value Film Festival

BITS 2026 Screening Pass

Priority access to all 8 feature films (TBD) Nov 16–21
All 5 short film programs — Dark Visions, Monsters & Martians, BITS and Bytes, Funny Frights & Unusual Sights, Bloody Spirits of Winter
15% off all BITS merch

Early Bird

$90

reg. $120

Get Pass →