I AM CINEMA

April 17 • 6 PM • Montréal • Funamis

Cinema doesn't ask for permission.

It introduces itself.

SUBMIT ON FILMFREEWAY

THE STATEMENT

I AM CINEMA was created around a simple, radical idea:

Cinema is not something you make — it is something you become.

This is a space for filmmakers who don't chase relevance, because their work already exists outside time. For stories that don't explain themselves. For images that don't beg to be liked.

Here, films are not measured by categories or market logic. They are measured by presence.

And when the lights come back on, the winners don't walk away with a title. They walk away with a sentence.

"I am cinema."

THE SELECTION

Season 2026

AWARD WINNERS

My Roof

My Roof

Directed by Darko Kokić

Microshort
Empty Frames

Empty Frames

Directed by Marky Hugh

Student Film

A powerful exploration of human-centered stories told with emotional honesty and cinematic intention.

Shelf Life

Shelf Life

Directed by Jesse Roman

Narrative Short

An ambitious thriller about the pain of heartbreak and the depth of sisterhood.

FINALISTS

8 seconds

8 seconds

Directed by Jean-Marie Vinclair

Documentary Feature

An exploration of family secrets through an initiatory journey, questioning memory, transmission and adolescence.

My boyfriend, a mannequin

My boyfriend, a mannequin

Directed by Dmitry Nikolenko

Narrative Feature

OFFICIAL SELECTION

Who's That Knocking?

Who's That Knocking?

Directed by James Robertson

A character-driven chamber piece grounded in psychological realism and performance-driven storytelling.

Framed

Framed

Directed by Rebecca Carrigan

A narrative short blending emotional depth with cinematic intensity, rooted in authentic storytelling.

THE RECOGNITION

Not awards. Identities.

I AM THE DIRECTOR

Awarded for confident and coherent directing. For clarity of vision and control over cinematic language.

I AM CINEMA

Grand Statement

The highest recognition. Presented to a film in which all elements exist in harmony: direction, image, sound, and meaning.

I AM THE ACTOR

For a performance grounded in presence and authenticity. A portrayal that feels lived rather than performed.

I AM THE PRODUCER

For thoughtful production that supports the film's vision. Recognizing responsibility and structure.

I AM THE STORY

For a narrative that unfolds with precision and purpose. A story that remains with the viewer beyond the screening.

I AM THE IMAGE

For visual language that shapes the emotional space of the film. Frames that carry meaning through composition and rhythm.

I AM THE SOUND

For sound design or music that enhances the cinematic experience. Where sound becomes an integral part of storytelling.

I AM THE RISK

For bold creative decisions and artistic courage. Recognizing originality and commitment to a personal vision.

I AM THE TRUTH

For honesty and emotional clarity. A film that communicates with sincerity and depth.

I AM THE VOICE

For an emerging filmmaker whose voice is already distinct. A work that demonstrates a clear and individual perspective.

ZM AUDIENCE DECLARATION

Chosen by the audience. Presented to the film that resonates most strongly with viewers.

THE ATMOSPHERE

I AM CINEMA Event Atmosphere
Filmmaker Q&A Session
Cinema Screening Room
Festival Audience
Networking Event
Director Interview
Award Ceremony
Festival Atmosphere
Live Screening
I AM CINEMA Community

THE PLACE

Funamis

403, 4th floor, 998 Boul. Saint-Laurent
Montréal, QC, H2Z 1J3, CA

A space for creativity and cinema in the heart of Montréal. We gather not to consume content, but to experience art. The screening room offers an intimate setting where every frame commands attention.

THE PATH

APR 17, 2026
I AM CINEMA · THE EVENT
FEB 12
The Spark
Early Bird
MAR 09
The Focus
Regular
APR 02
The Final Breath
Last Chance

RULES & TERMS

1. Eligibility: The festival is open to short and feature-length films of any genre, produced in any country. All films must have been completed within the last 5 years.
2. Premiere Status: Premiere status is not required. Films may have been previously screened or awarded at other festivals.
3. Runtime: There are no strict runtime limits. Films are selected based on artistic coherence and cinematic integrity, not duration. Shorts up to 40m, Feature 60m+, Mid-length 40-60m.
4. Language & Subtitles: Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles. Subtitles must be clear and readable.
5. Submission Format: Films must be submitted via a secure online screener. Final screening copies must be provided in a high-quality digital format upon selection.
6. Authorship & Rights: The submitter must hold all necessary rights to screen the film publicly, including music, archive footage, and performances.
7. Selection Process: All films are reviewed by the festival curatorial team. Decisions are final and based on artistic merit and alignment with the festival's vision.
8. Screening & Presence: Selected films will be screened at the in-person event in Montréal on April 17. Filmmaker presence is encouraged but not mandatory.
9. Awards & Recognition: Films may be considered for multiple awards. Award decisions are made by the jury and, for the Audience Declaration, by viewers attending the screening.
10. Use of Materials: By submitting, filmmakers grant the festival permission to use stills, trailers, and short excerpts for promotional and archival purposes related to the event.

THE EXPERIENCE

April 17 • 6 PM • Funamis, Montréal

Limited seats available for the screening.

GET TICKETS

NO SECRETS

Do you require a premiere status?

No. We believe a film's value is not diminished by having been seen. We welcome films that have been screened elsewhere.

Is there a runtime limit for submissions?

We accept everything. Shorts (up to 40m), Mid-length (40-60m), and Features (60m+). If it is cinema, it fits.

Do you accept experimental or avant-garde films?

Yes. In fact, we seek them. Conventional narrative is welcomed, but bold experimentation is honored.

Can I submit a work-in-progress?

Technically yes, but we judge presence and completion. If the soul of the film is visible, we will watch.

Why "I AM CINEMA"?

Because festivals usually celebrate the industry. We celebrate the identity of the creator.