Vision
Founded in 1991 as a 2SLGBTQ+ film festival in Toronto, Inside Out is now the largest
event of its kind in Canada, spanning multiple cities with year-round programming.
Inside Out seeks to be:
• an innovative leader in the production, exhibition and promotion of 2SLGBTQ+ film
• an incubator and support for 2SLGBTQ+ filmmakers both emerging and established
• a leading advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ issues using the medium of film
• an inclusive cultural gathering place for Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ communities
Values
Inside Out strives to reflect the following values in our operations and programming:
• Innovation: We give our audience new opportunities to engage with 2SLGBTQ+ stories
through the medium of film. We are constantly improving our programming and efficiency
of operations by adopting new technologies and systems.
• Excellence: We are committed to seeking out the best 2SLGBTQ+ stories from around
the world and providing audiences with unique film-based experiences.
• Community: We play a vital role in the social, educational and cultural health of
our communities by connecting them with their stories. We are dedicated to reflecting
and expanding the dialogue within the 2SLGBTQ+ communities in collaboration with other
organizations.
• Inclusion: Inside Out is accessible and inclusive: a safe and welcoming space for
filmmakers and film fans from around the world. We at Inside Out respect, reflect
and celebrate our communities’ diversity and strive for inclusion of all persons.
Each year, Inside Out is proud to present the Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival, the
Ottawa 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival, the More Play Year-Round Screening Series and the 2SLGBTQ+
Feature Film Financing Forum.
Toronto Film Festival
In 1991, Inside Out celebrated its first film and video festival with a small community
of people who yearned to see film and video created by and about 2SLGBTQ+ people.
Currently the largest event of its kind in Canada, the Festival entertains film buffs
of all stripes, showcasing the best and most diverse work of interest to 2SLGBTQ+
communities. Taking place over 11 days, the Festival draws crowds of 35 000 to screenings,
artist talks, panel discussions, installations and parties that highlight more than
180 films and videos from Canada and around the world. Since 2009, RBC Royal Bank
has served as the Lead Sponsor of the Toronto Festival.
Ottawa Film Festival
Since 2007, Inside Out has produced a four-day festival in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
With the support of Lead Sponsor RBC Royal Bank, the Ottawa Festival showcases the
best queer cinema from Canada and around the world. The event has received a warm
welcome from the queer community in the region, building partnerships with local businesses
and 2SLGBTQ+ organizations and experiencing healthy growth in attendance each year
with the 2012 Festival attracting more than 4 000 attendees to 12 film programs and
parties.
Inside Out. “About Inside Out.” Accessed June 20, 2023. https://insideout.ca/about-us/.
