Festival
Awards

Award Jurors:

ABOUT THIS AWARD

Determined by an international jury, the Narrative Change Award honours a Canadian or International feature film that uses the power of cultural strategy to overturn outdated narratives, inspire change, and expand the audience’s perception of 2SLGBTQIA+ identities.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 winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize sponsored by Hollywood Suite and a 1 year subscription to Act Write Here. The award winner will be announced at the Opening Presentation on September 10, 2026.

Award Jurors: Mary Galloway, Olivia Golosky, Tristin Greyeyes

ABOUT THIS AWARD

Nominated by community members, the Matriarch of the Year Award (MOTY) honors an Indigiqueer or Two Spirit Matriarchal leader in film and television across Turtle Island who has made a significant impact on Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ storytelling. The winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize sponsored by Hollywood Suite and a publicity package from Pender PR. The award winner will be announced at the Opening Presentation on September 10, 2026.

Award Jurors:

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 $2,500 cash prize, 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 industry jury and announced at the Opening Presentation on September 10, 2026.

ABOUT THIS AWARD

This award is presented to the audience’s favourite Canadian Feature. The winner will receive $6,000 of color correction and finishing services from 24 Frames and $2,500 of mentorship sponsored by Hollywood Suite. 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.

ABOUT THIS AWARD

This award will be presented to the audience’s favourite Canadian Short. The winner will receive $2,500 in-kind post-production services from Elemental and $2,500 of mentorship sponsored by Hollywood Suite. 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.

ABOUT THIS AWARD

This award 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.

ABOUT THIS AWARD

This award 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.

Jurors: Georgina Chaplin, Brad Danks, Morgana Duque

ABOUT THIS AWARD

Open to 2SLGBTQIA+ filmmakers across Canada, the VQFF Pitch Competition supports the development of an original, bold, and compelling story with a production package. Up to 5 projects will be selected to participate in a live pitch competition, juried by film and TV professionals and presented to an audience at VQFF. The winning project/s will receive: 5 full day in-kind Studio & Production Services at CC Productions ($3,000 value), directing mentorship from Jem Garrard, producing mentorship from Sara Blake from Ceroma, a free all-access industry pass to VQFF 2027, a submission waiver for VQFF 2027 and more!