If you're even remotely into movies, storytelling, or just sitting in a dark room with strangers, the Breakthroughs Film Festival is something you need to know about.

Running from Dec. 6 to 8 at the Paradise Theatre, this festival is the city's only film fest exclusively showcasing short films by women and non-binary filmmakers.

This isn't some massive indusrty production; it's a local creative energy devoted to giving the underrepresented a space in filmmaking. 

What to expect at this year's festival

This year's lineup boasts nearly 20 shorts, each offering something unique, all under the main theme of 'transformation.' The festival's committee says that each film for this edition delves into "exploring the ways that 'we' have, and continue to evolve, both personally and as a society."

And according to Vice Chair Nedda Sarshar, this year's programming is "the most impressive" she's seen in years, and she's been to her fair share of festivals, including heavy-hitters like Palm Springs.

Here are just a few standouts you should check out:

• The Future Above Us by Vanessa Magic: A poignant and visually stunning examination on grief and resilience after a global catastrophe.
• The Pleasure is All Mine by Vanessa Sadre: A smart, subversive comedy exploring a woman's sexual identity and exploration.
• Becoming by McKenna Piper: A jaw-dropping two-minute animated short making its festival debut.

The stars of Vanessa Sadre's stunning film The Pleasure is All Mine

CANCON should also be pleased as 75 per cent of the films are by Canadian creators, with many based in Toronto and the GTA. It's local love on full display, but with the kind of storytelling that hits universally.

For a burgeoning festival like Breakthroughs it's about more than just films—it’s about the community. As Sarshar and Executive Director Fernanda D'Oro Fontes explained, the festival is a haven for connection.

"It takes a village to do this," D'Oro Fontes shared. "We've really leaned into finding smaller, community-focused partners who align with our mission. It's all about collaboration and breaking out of those industry silos."

Beyond the screenings, the second day of the festival features filmmaker Q&As with Sarshar herself discussing the process of making her recent short titled "Unibrow," as well as a panel dedicated to up-and-coming web series creators with guests Rabiya Mansoor, Nisha Khan and Marushka Almeida. 

Why this film festival matters

Let's not sugarcoat it: the film industry is still an uphill battle for underrepresented creators. As D'Oro Fontes puts it, "We want to create a platform that not only supports artists but acknowledges the real challenges they face—like financial gaps and limited opportunities."

Breakthroughs isn't just about films; it’s about giving women and non-binary filmmakers the space and support they deserve. And the results? Bold, fresh, and more compelling than anything Netflix's algorithm is spitting out.

How to get tickets

General admission tickets are on sale for $15, including admission for a Q&A of your choosing for peak cinema indulgence. There is also a 'subsidized ticket' that sits at $10 if you're a student, or someone who needs that discount.  

Breakthroughs Film Festival runs from Dec. 6 to 8 at the Paradise Theatre, 1006 Bloor St W.