The date for the 2012 Genie Awards has been set, and changes made to the rules to accommodate smaller businesses and new indie filmmakers.

In an announcement released internally by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, the organizations interim CEO, Helga Stephenson, said the 32^nd annual awards gala will take place March 8 in Toronto.

Stephenson also noted that the ACCT has updated several rules for Genie entries, including a reduced entry fee for short films and feature films with budgets under $1.25 million. Also now eligible for Genie consideration are feature films that have screened in two Academy-approved Canadian film festivals.

“We are doing our best to be all-inclusive,” said Stephenson in the announcement. “It is important that all Canadian films have the opportunity to compete in the Genie Awards and we hope these modifications will make it easier for all filmmakers to participate in Genies 32.”

Entry forms for the 32^nd Genie Awards are due Nov. 4, and submission materials due by Nov. 18, 2011.