Festival
Awards

Narrative Change Award:

ABOUT THIS AWARD

This $5,000 cash prize will be determined by an international jury and honours a Canadian or International feature film that uses the power of cultural strategy to overturn outdated narratives, inspire change, and expand the audience’s perception of 2SLGBTQIA+ identities. The award winner will be announced at the Opening Presentation on September 11, 2025.

Matriarch of the Year Award (MOTY):

ABOUT THIS AWARD

Out On Screen is proud to introduce the inaugural Matriarch of the Year Award (MOTY)! The MOTY Award honors an Indigiqueer or Two Spirit (2S) Matriarchal leader in film and television across Turtle Island who has made a significant impact on Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ storytelling. Nominated by community members, the winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize and publicity package from Pender PR to amplify their positive impact and support their work. The award winner will be announced at the Opening Presentation on September 11, 2025.

Gerry Brunet Memorial Award:

Best British Columbia Short

ABOUT THIS AWARD

Our annual prize for the Festival’s best BC short film was established in 1997 in recognition of Gerry Brunet, a lifelong contributor to the arts and an early board member of Out On Screen. The winner will receive a $2,850 cash prize and mentorship opportunities from the Directors Guild of Canada BC, a $20,000 camera package prize from Keslow Camera, and a $5,000 gear package prize from Cinelease. This award will be determined by an expert jury and announced at the Opening Presentation on September 11, 2025.

People's Choice Award:

Canadian Feature

ABOUT THIS AWARD

Sponsored by the Canada Media Fund this $2,500 cash prize will be presented to the audience’s favourite Canadian Feature. Winners are determined by the highest proportion of votes to ensure all films have the opportunity to be recognized regardless of the size of the theatre they are screened in. In-person audiences may vote by visiting link.outonscreen.com/vote or using the tablets outside the theatre. Online audiences may vote on our digital watch platform. The award winners will be announced after the Festival.

People's Choice Award:

Canadian Short

ABOUT THIS AWARD

This prize will be presented to the audience’s favourite Canadian Short. The winner will receive $2,500 in-kind post-production services from Elemental. Winners are determined by the highest proportion of votes to ensure all films have the opportunity to be recognized regardless of the size of the theatre they are screened in. In-person audiences may vote by visiting link.outonscreen.com/vote or using the tablets outside the theatre. Online audiences may vote on our digital watch platform. The award winners will be announced after the Festival.

People's Choice Award:

International Feature

ABOUT THIS AWARD

This prize will be presented to the audience’s favourite International Feature. Winners are determined by the highest proportion of votes to ensure all films have the opportunity to be recognized regardless of the size of the theatre they are screened in. In-person audiences may vote by visiting link.outonscreen.com/vote or using the tablets outside the theatre. Online audiences may vote on our digital watch platform. The award winners will be announced after the Festival.

People's Choice Award:

International Short

ABOUT THIS AWARD

This prize will be presented to the audience’s favourite International Short. Winners are determined by the highest proportion of votes to ensure all films have the opportunity to be recognized regardless of the size of the theatre they are screened in. In-person audiences may vote by visiting link.outonscreen.com/vote or using the tablets outside the theatre. Online audiences may vote on our digital watch platform. The award winners will be announced after the Festival.