TORONTO —CineFAM opened its ninth annual film festival on Nov. 6, 2025, transforming downtown Toronto into a vibrant gathering space for women and nonbinary filmmakers of color. Over three days, the festival offered a curated mix of feature films and shorts that pushed boundaries, reclaimed narratives and invited audiences to see the world through a wider lens.
This year’s theme, “Threads of Identity,” wove together films that dug into ancestral memory, unearthed overlooked histories and confronted the allegories that shape cultural belonging. The programming reflected the festival’s ongoing commitment to amplifying voices that continue to be sidelined in mainstream cinema.
Photo Courtesy of Brian MedinaPhoto Courtesy of Brian MedinaPhoto Courtesy of Brian Medina
The launch event blended celebration with purpose. Music filled the venue, food vendors showcased local flavors, and filmmakers and audiences mingled in a spirit of community before the evening shifted to an awards ceremony.
Fateema Al-Hamaydeh Millerwon Best Impact for Mawtini (My Homeland), a film exploring displacement and resilience. Holly Andersonearned Best Documentary for Hebron Relocation, andReem Morsitook home Best Director for Banned. Morsi’s film opened the festival, followed by a Q&A with lead actress Sally Nakazi, who discussed the film’s production and the urgency of its themes.
While CineFAM’s festival draws annual attention, its year-round influence is equally significant. The organization supports emerging artists through internships, training opportunities and its Shoptalk video series, creating direct pathways for filmmakers who often face systemic barriers. CineFAM also maintains a database of content creators for hire, helping artists secure work that sustains their practice long after festival lights fade.
Photo Courtesy of Brian MedinaPhoto Courtesy of Brian Medina
CineFAM is part of the CaribbeanTales Media Group, a Canadian organization dedicated to strengthening the ecosystem of BIPOC creators in film and television. CTMG offers festivals, mentorships and industry incubators that aim to broaden representation in screen-based storytelling. Its mandate is “to foster and encourage intercultural understanding and citizen participation” through diverse storytelling rooted in Canadian cultures. CineFAM’s name — derived from the Haitian Creole phrase for “films by women” — underscores that mission.
Toronto hosts several major film events, including the Toronto International Film Festival, Reel Asian and Hot Docs. Yet CineFAM stands apart by dedicating its platform to a multi-marginalized community of filmmakers whose contributions are too often overlooked. The result is a festival that not only entertains but reshapes the cultural landscape.
More information about CineFAM is available online.
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