International Black & Diversity Film Festival
IBDFF -AJAX 2026
Festival Screenings, Conference
& Gala Awards
May 14 – 17, 2026
IBDFF 2025 Winners Announced
The International Black Diversity Film Festival is proud to announce the official list of IBDFF 2025 award winners.
This year's honorees represent a dynamic range of filmmakers, screenwriters, and creatives from around the world. From groundbreaking feature films and documentaries to powerful shorts and scripts, the 2025 winners reflect the richness, depth, and diversity of Black and diaspora storytelling.
“These artists are not just storytellers — they are truth tellers,” said Isioro Jaboro, Festival Director of IBDFF. “This year’s winners demonstrate the power of film to inspire, challenge, and unite. We are honored to celebrate their craft, courage, and contribution to global storytelling.”
The IBDFF remains committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and championing work that drives cultural and social change through the power of cinema.
View the full list of IBDFF 2025 winners:
https://www.ibdff.net/ibdff-2025-winners
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Free Movie Screening with Q&A Sessions
Join us for a special opportunity to experience a free movie screening followed by an engaging Q&A session with filmmakers and special guests. Get a deeper understanding of the creative process, ask questions, and connect with the minds behind the films.
Date: May 29th & May 30th
Venues: St. Francis Centre, Audley Recreation Centre, Ajax Public Library, Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Ajax
Don't miss this exciting event – mark your calendar and be part of the conversation!
Gala Awards Ticket Information
The Gala Awards Ceremony is right around the corner! It’s going to be an evening of celebration, recognition, and unforgettable moments as we honor the incredible filmmakers and their contributions to the industry. Tickets for the Gala Awards are now available for purchase on our website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements in filmmaking. To purchase your tickets and learn more about the event, visit our Ticket Information Page. We look forward to celebrating with you!
IBDFF Hotel Partner: Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Ajax
Special Offer for IBDFF Guests!
We’re thrilled to partner with Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Ajax to offer exclusive discounted rates for all IBDFF guests. The Gala will be held at the Canadian Hall of the hotel, making it the perfect place to stay during the event.
2025 IBDFF Nominations Now Published + Ticket Information for Gala Awards
We are thrilled to announce that the 2025 IBDFF Nominations have officially been published on the IBDFF Website! We invite all official selections to visit the nominations page to see the full list of nominees. If you submitted your work to multiple categories, please take the time to review all the categories to see if your film has been considered in any. You can view the list of nominations by clicking here. Be sure to check out the diverse range of talent and creative work that has made this year’s festival one to remember!
IBDFF 2024 IN-PERSON
SCREENING PROGRAM
We have scheduled in-person screenings for three days in May: Sunday, May 26; Thursday, May 30; and Friday, May 31. The Toronto Public Library's Downsview Branch, located at 2793 Keele St., Toronto, ON M3M 2G3, will host screenings on May 26 and 30. The screening and awards ceremony will take place on May 31 at the York Woods Library Theatre, located at 1785 Finch Ave W, North York, ON M3N 1M 6.
FEATURE PRESENTATION - (MAY 30)
OPENING FILM - (MAY 26)
CLOSING FILM - (MAY 31)
Every year, the International Black and Diversity Film Festival (IBDFF), an independent film festival, brings independent filmmakers from all over the world to Toronto, Canada. The festival showcases black and independent cinema, reflecting the diversity Toronto is renowned for.
The IBDFF focuses on films made by blacks and international films featuring black performers in significant roles; nevertheless, the festival is open to projects from all races. Individuals interested in learning about various cultures can see and appreciate independent cinema at IBDFF, along with films that promote a blend of cultural diversity.
Support IBDFF and let's all work together to promote independent black and diverse films! The IBDFF's mission is to establish a space that fosters and promotes the inclusion of black films while also promoting independent films in a diverse way. As we continue to seek distribution opportunities for our IBDFF nominees, and with your support our festival will continue to increase awareness of black and diverse films all year-round.
We cannot do it alone, therefore we need your support, no matter how small, to get started. If we work together, we can make a difference and be a strong voice for independent black filmmakers, regardless of boundaries!
SPONSOR & PARTNER
IBDFF 2023
AWARD WINNERS
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The 2023 Viewers Choice Awards Winners
Coming Soon...
IBDFF- 2023| NOMINEES
IBDFF 2022 AWARD NOMINEES
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MEET OUR HOTEL PARTNERS
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IBDFF-2022
AWARDS NOMINEES
JULY 14 -16, 2022
The Viewer's Choice Award Is Determined By The Fans!
All IBDFF Award Nominees Are Eligible To Compete For The Viewers Choice Award.
IBDFF-2021 AWARDS NOMINEES
Training Programs
Workshop |Conference | Master Class
Coming Soon...
The idea behind the IBDF Festival event is that it is a combination of a year’s worth of community-building through several smaller events that enhance and educates the audiences with unique cinematic and cultural opportunities, resulting in the community-wide film festival.
Films are selected from entries screened by panels of judges selecting the best of the best films for award consideration. IBDFF is a festival that prides itself in showcasing independent films that celebrates the brilliance of Black filmmaking, from emerging and established filmmakers, yet celebrating the diversity in filmmaking through the inclusion of films from around the Globe, Canada and locally here in Toronto, connecting filmmakers and the community in one place.
At the IBDFF annual event every year in late Spring, we will be having a host of the events that include Screening of Movies selected by our screening panels live at the York Cinema Richmond Hill, Albion Cinema, North York, and other screening venues, Fashion shows, Local Artist Performing Live, and awarding Filmmakers with actual Trophy Awards presented to filmmakers!
IBDFF TV Channel
Coming soon...
The Black Actors & Film Guild Canada (BAFGC)
Black Actor and Film Guild Canada (BAFGC) is a platform that promotes and empowers Black actors and filmmakers in Canada. The guild’s platform provides mentorship, workshops, and works with other film and tv production companies to prepare its members for a successful Acting and Filmmaking career by providing critical instruction, indispensable career guidance, and exposure to real opportunities in areas such as films, theatre, television, music, and live performances and other forms of entertainments.
The Black Actors Guild Canada (BAG -Canada)
The Actors Branch of the Guild helps to promote and empower Black actors in Canada and prepare them for a successful acting career by providing critical instruction, indispensable career guidance, and exposure to real opportunities in areas such as films, theatre, television, music, and live performances and other forms of entertainments. We assist aspiring stars with the opportunities and support they need to bring their talents directly into the spotlight. We are open to working with some of the biggest names in the industry and helping to make your dreams come to life. Contact us today and see how we can take your career to the next level.
IBDFF SPONSORS & PARTNERS
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