IYR's Short Film Festival aka Gathering Film Night, is one of the most anticipated highlights of our upcoming Gathering, showcasing Indigenous talent and storytelling while bringing together creative voices from across the community.
Taking place on the evening of Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Whitehorse YK, the festival will feature a curated collection of short 1-15 minute films, followed by an engaging artist talk. This powerful experience will be shared with an audience of 125 Indigenous youth participants who come from various Communities from across so-called Canada.
We are now inviting submissions for Indigenous youth-centered short films. This year’s theme is Illuminating Threads of Connection: Weaving Together Land, Spirit, and Identity. We are looking for films that explore themes of kinship, sharing, and generational knowledge, with Indigenous youth playing key roles in either production and performance.*
We welcome films of all levels, from smartphone videos to professional productions and everything in between! Selected films will receive a screening fee.
Have questions? Reach out to us at comms@indigenousyouthroots.ca.
*We recognize both status and non-status First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada, whether living on or off-reserve. Youth is defined as individuals between the ages of 18 and 29.
Films selected for the final program will be paid screening fees.
