Cinematic Pleasure
An immersive evening devoted to the beauty of the moving image at Midtowner Productions.
The Philosophy
HEDONIST is an immersion into cinematic pleasure. An evening devoted to the beauty of the moving image, celebrating filmmakers who push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
We believe cinema is an indulgence. It is a sensory journey that demands surrender. HEDONIST curates films that provoke emotion, challenge aesthetics, and celebrate the raw, unfiltered art of independent cinema in Toronto.
The Curation
Short Films
Brief, potent encounters with brilliance.
Animation
Worlds forged from light and imagination.
Music Videos
The pure fusion of rhythm and aesthetic.
Dates & Deadlines
Submissions Open
Currently Open
Notification Date
April 30
Event Date
May 15
The Honors
The Golden Pulse
Grand Prize
Velvet Frame
Visual sensuality
Fever Performance
Raw intimacy of the actor
Electric Desire
Obsession, desire, seduction
Body of Sound
Tactile sound design
Midnight Ritual
Risk-taking auteur narrative
Lingering Aftertaste
Audience Prize
Hedonist Discovery
Debut filmmaker
Attend The Ritual
An evening of immersive cinema, absolute aesthetics, and unapologetic indulgence.
Dress code: Dress for the dark.
May 15 • Midtowner Productions
2342 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6E 3S4, Canada
Visions & Echoes
Rules & Terms
- All submissions must be provided via a secure online screener (Vimeo, YouTube unlisted, etc.).
- Films not in English must have English subtitles.
- By submitting, the filmmaker ensures that all necessary rights are cleared for public screening.
- Selected films grant the festival the right to use excerpts (up to 60 seconds), stills, and trailers for promotional purposes.
Present Your Vision
Join the world's most visually indulgent festival. All submissions open exclusively via FilmFreeway.
Submit on FilmFreeway