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SEARCHHONOURING AN INDIGIQUEER OR TWO SPIRIT LEADER IN FILM/TV
The Vancouver Queer Film Festival is proud to introduce the inaugural Matriarch of The Year (MOTY) Award!
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.
We are calling to our community to enter nominations for The MOTY Award – either someone you admire who fits the title, or yourself!
To submit a nomination, please fill out the Nomination form by August 31 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Further guidelines on eligibility and procedures below.
DEADLINES & KEY DATES
Applications Open | August 15, 2025
Applications Close | August 31, 2025 at 11:59pm Pacific Time
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Please review all information on eligibility, requirements, and procedures.
Selected candidate contacted | September 8, 2025
The selected candidate will be notified by September 8th. Nominators will be notified if their nominee was selected.
Award Reception | Thursday, September 11, 2025
The award winner will be announced at the Opening Presentation on September 11, 2025.
ELIGIBILITY
- Must be Indigenous to Turtle Island;
- Must be part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community;
- Has a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in lead positions on film and tv projects;
- Has been credited in leadership positions for at least 30 minutes of content which has been released through a recognizable network, broadcaster, streamer, or showcased at an Academy eligible film festival (Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television list of Eligible Festivals & Online Platforms);
- Leadership positions such as Director, Executive Producer, Producer, Writer, Showrunner, and/or Head of Department.
- Has demonstrated the ability to lead in a Matriarchal way.
- We acknowledge this can mean something different to everyone, and encourage folks to tell us more in the reference letters!
NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS
- A Statement of Indigenous Identity from the Nominee (max. 250 words);
- This statement is meant to be a space for the nominee to share about their relationship with their Indigenous nation(s), community and culture(s).
- List of Eligible Credits. A resume or a link to IMDB page is acceptable
- Two letters of reference from fellow film and TV colleagues that can attest to the Matriarchal leadership style of the nominee and the reasoning behind the nomination (up to one page each);
- If the nominator is a film/TV professional and not self-nominating, they may provide one of the reference letters
- This is your moment to brag about the nominee!
- The nominator must indicate that the nominee has been informed of the nomination and consents to the nomination;
- The nominee must be available to attend the Award reception or be able to provide a short video in acceptance.
ABOUT VQFF
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.
The upcoming 37th annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival will take place from September 11-21, 2025 and online from September 22-28, 2025.
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.
