About MTLIFF
​We are an international film festival and market dedicated to showcasing projects and supporting filmmakers who tackle global challenges.
Our Mission: Shaping Global Change Through Film
The Montreal International Film Festival (MTLIFF) is a premier global platform dedicated to showcasing films and supporting filmmakers who tackle pressing global challenges. As a value-driven non-profit organization, we focus on creating meaningful connections through impactful storytelling, while amplifying the voices of filmmakers who aim to drive social change. Our mission is clear: to use the transformative power of cinema to inspire action, provoke thought, and spark global conversations that lead to tangible solutions.
Our Values
At MTLIFF, our work is rooted in five core values that guide everything we do:
​
-
Engagement : Encouraging active participation and fostering conversations that lead to change.
​​
-
Inclusivity : Creating a welcoming environment for all filmmakers, audiences, and partners.
​​
-
Kindness : Promoting a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
​​
-
Authenticity : Upholding genuine storytelling that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences.
​​
-
Community : Building lasting relationships among filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals.
​​
These values underpin our commitment to addressing global challenges through film, ensuring that every initiative we undertake aligns with our vision of a more connected, inclusive, and compassionate world.
Our Vision
We believe that film is a powerful tool for change. By bringing global stories to the screen, we not only entertain but also educate and empower people to take action. Our vision is to be a leading international film festival recognized for its impact on social change, while creating a space for filmmakers to share their narratives and inspire audiences to become advocates for a better world.
Our Solution: Transforming Films
into Real Life Actions
At MTLIFF, we don’t just showcase films, we drive initiatives that promote real-world change. Our festival highlights films that address global issues like human rights, climate change, and social justice, sparking conversations and inspiring collective action. Through mentorship programs, workshops, and networking opportunities, we provide emerging filmmakers with the tools and resources they need to develop impactful projects and bring their visions to life.
Additionally, by supporting underrepresented voices in the industry, we ensure that diverse perspectives are heard and celebrated on the global stage. MTLIFF also plays a vital role in fostering local economic growth in Montreal, attracting visitors, creating jobs, and supporting businesses across the city.
Meet our mascot, POPI!
Popi was once just a small popcorn kernel, struggling to pop like the others and searching for their purpose. While everyone around Popi seemed to transform with ease, the little kernel felt stuck, until they set off to travel the world in search of themself. Along the way, Popi discovered the magic of filmmaking and how stories have the power to connect people across cultures, spark conversations, and inspire change. Realizing the global impact storytelling could have, Popi returned to their hometown of Montreal with a newfound purpose. There, they founded the Montreal International Film Festival and finally, they popped. Because they had found what they were meant to do: unite people around the world through the power of film.
​
Today, Popi is no ordinary popcorn kernel. Lively and passionate, they’re not just a movie enthusiast, they’re a director, storyteller, and global changemaker. With a camera by their side, Popi travels the globe, uncovering stories that matter and ensuring every voice has a chance to shine on the big screen. Popi believes that cinema is more than entertainment, it’s a bridge between cultures and a powerful tool for social impact. Their mission is clear: to unite filmmakers across continents and use storytelling to inspire.
Get Involved
Whether you're a filmmaker, a business, or a passionate individual looking to support global change, MTLIFF provides the perfect platform for connection, inspiration, and action. Join us in our mission to use the power of film to address global challenges and create a lasting impact.