Testimonials

I just wanted to write and tell you guys how much I appreciated the feedback you gave. It certainly boosted my self-confidence and motivation to pursue other projects of similar ambition. And you guys wrote so much! It really made me feel special, and I want to sincerely thank the screeners for really taking the time to evaluate my film. It really proves that you guys give each film equal consideration and care, and I think that's priceless. It's invaluable to receive that support, and I can't thank you guys enough.

- Mitchell Winkie, Director

Thanks much James for sharing your insights, experiences, initiatives and commitment. Its because of people like you hope exists in everyone wanting to make movie....

- Rohit Gupta, Director

Networking. It's a major contributing factor to a filmmaker's growth and survival. I had met Duane L. Martin, founder of the independent film review site Rogue Cinema based in the US, via fellow Toronto filmmaker and friend Steven Cerritos. Whilst chatting with Duane on Facebook, I had mentioned the fact that I was based in Toronto to which he informed me of the James Dubbeldam and his inaugural Toronto International Film & Video Awards. I immediately visited the site and was happy and impressed with the simple, direct, yet invitingly encouraging format and goal of the festival. After contacting James via email and receiving a courteous, informative and articulate response, I immediately felt comfortable - at least enough to 'bother' him with a phone call. Since then, we've kept in touch on a weekly basis with updates, opportunities and like-minded ideas regarding the festival, other screenings, media, independent film, and so forth. At this rate, there will surely be a 2nd Annual Toronto International Film & Video Awards.

- Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi, ARCILESI FILMS, writer / producer / director / cinematographer / editor / composer / poster artist, www.arcilesifilms.com

My Best Director win not only came with a lot of very useful post-production services but the trophy itself was very cool! Well done on the part of TIFVA - screening venue for the films was great as well. TIFVA is run by friendly, committed fellow filmmakers—you’ll like them.

- Lisa Gold, winner of TIFVA 2011's Best Director Award

I just wanted to say how much of an honor it was to have my short film "the Tourist" not only accepted but nominated for "best short film" at TIFVA. That alone would've been great, but what made it even better was the personal touch of having someone (James Dubbeldam) keep me in the loop at all times and have the patience to answer all of my stupid questions. And I had a lot of them. It's that kind of attention to detail that makes everything about making a film worthwhile. Bravo to TIFVA and James Dubbeldam. Looking forward to next year.

- Kelly Knudson, Director, "the Tourist", nominated "Best Narrative Short", TIFVA 2011

The Toronto International Film and Video Awards is a great team that focuses on getting amazing films from around the world, seen and recognized. It's not a Hollywood popularity contest or a 'dog and pony' show for films that already have massive interest and worldwide distributors due to star names and big budgets. It's an organiziation formed of filmmakers to award and create exposure for fellow deserving filmmakers at all budgetary levels, when finding your audience in such a flooded market can sometimes be the hardest task. Being recognized as an actor for 'Neverlost' by an unbiased panel, experienced in all the facets of filmmaking, was and is a huge honour for myself and Chad's script and direction that neither of us will soon forget. I had an amazing time at their screening event, getting a chance to see some amazing films and meeting their creators/collaborators that I might not have gotten the chance to anywhere else. I think I just may be a regular at their future screening events.

- Ryan Barrett, Winner "Best Actor", TIFVA 2011

TIFVA is the film festival that unites filmmakers and fans of all kinds in an intimate setting. The festival has a knack for scoping out new talent and we were very honored to be apart of it with our zombie drama Exit Humanity.

- John Geddes, Writer/Director/Producer "Exit Humanity" & "Monster Brawl"

A pleasure to work with! Expecting great things to come from TIFVA!

- Chad Archibald Writer/Director/Producer Black Fawn Films

Thanks so much for a great experience. I loved seeing my film up on the big screen playing along with so many incredible films from around the world. The festival was wonderfully put together and such an honor to be a part of. I look forward to participating in the future and meeting more inspiring filmmakers from around the globe.

- Peter Liston, Director