The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Conference hosted by the Canada FASD Research Network (CanFASD) is a biennial national conference. It hosts about 500-700 participants, including people with lived experience, researchers, service providers, professionals and policy makers. Through this film festival, we hope to encourage a wide range of films and film makers that promote the unique aspects of this disability and bring together the community to explore, discuss, embrace and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.

Awards & Prizes

A selection committee will screen all the submissions and select the top 5 films to be highlighted at the conference.

First prize will receive a $500 cash award, the remaining 4 selected finalist will receive a $250 cash award.

Each selected film will receive a certificate of achievement and a festival laurel.

Prizes will be presented in person or virtually at the Canada FASD Conference Networking evening on October 22, 2025 at the Hilton Downtown Conference Facility in Toronto, ON.
• Successful applicants who wish to attend the event in-person must fund their own expenses, including but not limited to travel, accommodation, and food.
• Virtual attendance may be possible.

Acknowledgements will be made on the CanFASD website along with the selected finalist after the conference. The winning films will be uploaded to the CanFASD YouTube Channel

Rules & Terms

We are looking for films in Canada presenting the lives and stories in the field of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder that explore, embrace, and celebrate the diversity of the shared human experience.
o These films must represent a strengths-based or positive approach.
o The films can include individuals with FASD, their families, birth parents, or communities.
• We accept films that are short films – must be less than 10 minutes.
• We prioritize films that are made by creators with disabilities, and crew with lived/living experiences with FASD.
• We encourage and prioritize submissions that include captions and audio descriptions.
• Films in languages other than English are welcome but require subtitles.
• We welcome both new and established film makers.
• At least 3 different judges score the quality and creativity of each entry. The highest rated entries are nominated for the awards and winners are chosen.
• All films must be submitted on the platform by August 30, 2025 by 4pm EST
• It is free to enter your film.

ELIGIBILITY:
• Films must be less than 10 minutes in length.
• Portions of longer films will be accepted if the selection show does not exceed 10 minutes.
• Films must be related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and presented in a positive or strengths-based way.
• Films that are advertisements commissioned by a commercial company prior or a promotional video for an organization are not eligible for submission.
• Submissions in a language other than English must have subtitles in English.