Calling All Film Students and Graduates! Apply Now for Filmmaking Workshop at Toronto Film School – Includes Attendance at Toronto International Film Festival!

The Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO), a nonprofit organization led by President Takayuki Matsutani and based in Chuo City, Tokyo, is accepting applications for student training at Toronto Film School as part of its "Film Nexus-SEED" initiative. This program is funded by the "Cultural and Arts Activity Infrastructure Strengthening Fund (Japan Creator Support Fund)" established by the Japan Arts Fund, an independent administrative institution, with support from the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

This initiative supports the "Creator Support Program," aimed at nurturing talent capable of thriving globally. This year, VIPO is implementing "Film Nexus-SEED," a training program developed in collaboration with universities, vocational schools, companies, and related organizations. The program offers practical experiences in international settings to help students acquire the skills necessary for global success and professional careers.

The program aims to provide consistent and robust support to students aspiring to become the next generation of creators. As an advanced track for outstanding students studying film and video, VIPO is now recruiting participants for the student training program at Toronto Film School.

Overview of the Toronto Film School Training Program

◆ Program Content (Planned)

A hands-on filmmaking workshop designed to cover every stage of film production, from concept development to final completion. This customized workshop allows participants to learn and experience key roles such as screenwriting, shooting planning, filming, and editing to enhance their filmmaking skills.

Instruction will be provided by Toronto Film School’s faculty—active professionals with proven track records in the film and television industries. Participants will also have access to the school’s state-of-the-art studios and equipment. Additionally, guest lectures from industry experts on topics of interest to aspiring international filmmakers are planned.

The program includes 1–2 days of participation in the Toronto International Film Festival, which runs concurrently with the training period.

◆ Program Details

【Training Period】

Planned from Friday, September 18, 2026, to Sunday, September 27, 2026

※ Departure from Japan is scheduled for September 18, 2026, and return to Japan on September 27, 2026 (subject to change).

※ The filmmaking workshop will take place over 5 days within this period.

【Number of Participants (Planned)】 Approximately 8

【Participation Fees】

Expenses covered by the organizing committee:

・ Training program fee

・ Round-trip airfare to Toronto, Canada (from the nearest domestic airport in Japan, economy class), and local accommodation ※ Arranged by the organizing committee

・ Accommodation allowance

※ All other expenses (e.g., travel insurance, passport application fees) are the responsibility of the participant.

【Eligibility】

・ Students currently enrolled in domestic or overseas educational institutions studying film or video production, or graduates within three years who aspire to become directors, producers, cinematographers, or other film professionals

・ Individuals holding Japanese nationality or permanent residency in Japan

・ Applicants with strong English communication skills (no interpreters will be provided during workshops)

【Application Method and Required Documents】

Please prepare and submit all the following documents by the deadline:

(1) Link to view past work

(With English subtitles. Works where the applicant is credited as producer, director, or cinematographer)

(2) Link to project proposal or supporting materials for the work in (1)

(3) Link to draft project proposal or supporting materials currently in preparation

(4) Your filmography

(5) Statement of motivation for applying

(6) Your profile photo, etc.

※ Upload the above materials to a cloud drive or similar service and include the URL in the application form.

Application Form

【Application Deadline】 Thursday, July 16, 2026, by 17:00 (strictly enforced)

【Organizers】 Agency for Cultural Affairs / Japan Arts Fund / VIPO

For full application guidelines and details, click here

【About Toronto Film School】
Toronto Film School is a private film school highly acclaimed not only in Canada but also internationally within the film, entertainment, and design industries. Its curriculum maximizes the advantages of Toronto, a hub for film production. Instructors are active professionals working on major Hollywood productions, independent films, and game development. Classes use the latest cameras, lighting, and grip equipment found on actual film sets. The campus also features professional-grade facilities such as sound stages, green screens, editing suites, and animation labs.

The school’s director, Andrew Barnsley, is an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning executive producer, known for acclaimed works such as "Schitt’s Creek," and remains at the forefront of the industry.

Toronto Film School: https://www.torontofilmschool.ca/
Selected as one of the world’s top 15 international film schools by The Hollywood Reporter (2024)

【Organizer and Contact】
Toronto Student Training Program Secretariat:
Email: creatorfund_secretariat@vipo.or.jp
※ For inquiries, please use the subject line: "Toronto Student Training (Your Name)"