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The Vancouver Queer Film Festival is one of the largest queer arts events in Western Canada, located on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We illuminate, celebrate, and transform 2SLGBTQIA+ lives through film, education, and dialogue. Each year, we showcase eleven days of outstanding cinema, live performances, community-building events and parties, all with a background of beautiful mountain and ocean views.
We believe artists should be paid fairly for their work. As such, all selected films are offered a competitive screening fee. We seek content in all genres, created by 2SLGBTQIA+ storytellers, and centred on 2SLGBTQIA+ protagonists. We love stories that overturn stereotypes, push boundaries, and celebrate Two Spirit, queer, and trans people, communities and artists. We uplift 2SLGBTQIA+ voices and stories across BC, Canada, and the world.
The upcoming 37th annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival will take place from September 11-21, 2025.
DEADLINES & FEES
Early-bird Deadline | January 15, 2025
Narrative Features $25
Narrative Shorts $15
Documentary Features $25
Documentary Shorts $15
Episodic – TV $25
Episodic – Web $15
Regular Deadline | February 28, 2025
Narrative Features $35
Narrative Shorts $25
Documentary Features $35
Documentary Shorts $25
Episodic – TV $35
Episodic – Web $25
Late Deadline | April 15, 2025
Narrative Features $45
Narrative Shorts $35
Documentary Features $45
Documentary Shorts $35
Episodic – TV $45
Episodic – Web $35
We offer fee waivers to underrepresented filmmakers. To request a waiver code, please email us at entries@outonscreen.com. VQFF loves you!
ELIGIBILITY
- Story: Must be centred around 2SLGBTQIA+ protagonists.
- Lead Creatives: Must be created by 2SLGBTQIA+ storytellers (i.e. director, writer, and/or lead producer).
- Release Date: Must be released within 18 months before the Festival start date (September 11, 2025).
- Distribution: Films must not be available for purchase, be publicly viewable online, or have had a general theatrical release. Episodic Web & TV Content must not have aired or be generally available online in Canada.
- Work-in-Progress: Will be evaluated, provided a final version can be delivered by May 2, 2025. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
FILM ENTRY PROTOCOL
- Please submit all entries via FilmFreeway. Please review the eligibility criteria carefully prior to entering your project.
- We welcome films in foreign languages. English subtitles must be available for the programming team to review the entry.
- Unsuccessful entries will be notified via FilmFreeway when the Festival programme is finalized.
- Due to the number of entries, we cannot provide feedback on entries.
SELECTIONS PROTOCOL
- The Festival programme and schedule will be confirmed by June 2025.
- Official invitations to selected films will be sent to the email address associated with the FilmFreeway entry.
- All films selected for the festival will receive a screening fee.
- Films must remain active on FilmFreeway until September 30, 2025.
- VQFF may use stills and up to 2 minutes of footage from official selections for promotional and marketing purposes.
- Further details about selection and screening will be communicated via the invitation.
SCREENING ACCESSIBILITY
- All selected films will be screened with open captions. Filmmakers will be asked to submit captions or subtitles in English. Films with foreign languages are required to provide English subtitles. For films in English, the Festival may arrange to create captions for screenings if captions are not provided.
- We strive to host as many online screenings as possible to create greater access to authentic 2SLGBTQIA+ stories. All online screenings will be geo-locked within the province of BC, have a maximum viewing cap, and be time-limited within or immediately after the in-person VQFF. We encourage selected teams to opt-in to an online screening.
TRAVEL SUPPORT
- At the Festival’s discretion and according to the sponsorship available, we will support the travel expenses of select presenting filmmakers.
- We have a small homestay program where members of the VQFF community provide private or shared accommodation for visiting artists.
AWARDS
VQFF recognizes filmmakers through a variety of juried and audience awards. In 2024, VQFF awarded $57,500 in cash and in-kind prizes to award-winners.
Gerry Brunet Memorial Award: Best British Columbia Short
This prize celebrates the best short film made in BC by local filmmakers. All British Columbian films are eligible for this Award. This award was established in 1997 in recognition of Gerry Brunet, a lifelong contributor to the arts and an early Out On Screen board member.
Narrative Change Award
Nominated by the programming team and selected by a jury, this award honours a Canadian or International film that uses the power of cultural strategy to overturn outdated narratives, inspire change, and expand audiences’ perceptions of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
People’s Choice Awards
All qualified films selected for the Festival are eligible for the People’s Choice Awards. We collect Audience votes across all screenings in the following categories:
- People’s Choice Awards: Canadian Short
- People’s Choice Awards: Canadian Feature or Series
- People’s Choice Awards: International Feature or Series
- People’s Choice Awards: International Short
Industry
We are proud to offer a variety of industry programs each year including workshops, networking events, and invite-only artist socials.
Awards
The Festival recognizes accomplished filmmakers through a variety of juried and audience awards. Learn more about our awards and recent winners.
Archive
We have more than 30 years of queer film history to help us to chart the way forward. Visit our Archive to learn more about past Festivals and the enduring legacy of queer film.
