All that’s needed at the Toronto Documentary Forum is an idea for a film, lots of chutzpah and nerves of steel. Now in its seventh year, the TDF is based on the International Documentary Filmfestival Amsterdam model of aspiring-filmmaker-meets-potential-broadcaster session, allowing creators to hone and polish their pitches – and even, in some cases, sell them.

This year, there were 181 submissions, with 30 ultimately selected by Hot Docs organizers and two picked by lottery. Eight of these 32 are Canadian, with subjects including a mummified dinosaur found in Western Canada (Kevin Dunn’s Dinosaur Resurrection), a personal essay-style doc about one man’s slovenly ways (Josh Freed’s My Messy Life), and a filmmaker’s search for siblings after learning he was conceived via sperm bank (Barry Stevens’ Offspring – The Film).

As well, three film ideas will be presented at the TDF Feature Rough Cuts Pitch – a session geared directly to filmmakers who have not yet landed a broadcaster or producing partner.

Albert Nerenberg, the filmmaker behind Stupidity and Escape to Canada, will be bringing a project called Freedomland to the TDF. When researching Escape to Canada, Nerenberg learned that many songs were written by slaves attempting to leave the U.S. for Canada. These songs, he learned, often had hidden messages in them and were greatly influenced by the traditions of West African songwriting.

‘I’m extremely excited about the chance to discuss this idea with experienced broadcasters from around the world, but also a bit nervous,’ says Nerenberg. ‘I’ve heard from others who’ve attended that it is the ultimate hot seat. Some have reported being vaporized on the spot by the glares of people.’

Nerenberg says his goals for the project, which already has a broadcast commitment from VisionTV, are pretty basic: ‘We know the film will generate a lot of interest here. We want to get a sense of how this would sell in other parts of the world.’