Welcome to INSPIRE Cinema Fest—a celebration of storytelling through powerful short films. Held in Vancouver, BC, it unites local filmmakers in Hollywood North with you!

Remember 1999? When ads were clever, funny, and worth watching? You’d catch international reels at that indie cinema—the one filled with foreign Oscar hopefuls, popcorn, and possibility. Ads entertained. Music videos made you cry. Short stories stirred questions about justice, wrapped in allegory and sci-fi.

Brevity is a craft—and this festival is your chance to sharpen it. Create, submit, and discover storytelling that works everywhere—even in the boardroom.

Our showcase highlights three unique categories:
1-minute thematic shorts designed for advertising and brand storytelling,
5-minute story driven music videos featuring original songs, and
10-minute narrative-driven short films that captivate and inspire.

Whether you're a filmmaker or a film lover, INSPIRE Cinema Fest is where bold ideas and meaningful stories come to life. Expect finalist screenings, Best in Category awards, a panel with winning creators, and a showcase of local short films. Beyond the screen, enjoy red carpet moments, networking, and creative conversations that spark connection and inspiration.

DATE: November 1, 2025
TIME: 12:45pm - 4:00pm
VENUE: The Cinematheque, 200-1131 Howe St, Vancouver BC, V6Z 2L7

Join us for the third annual INSPIRE Cinema Fest as we celebrate the art of short-form storytelling, where every second counts and every story leaves a lasting impression.

Awards & Prizes

Each year a jury of curated industry professionals will review submissions and award prizes in the following categories:

MAIN CATEGORIES
Best Narrative Short Film ($500 Cash Prize)
Best Music Video ($300 Cash Prize)
Best Advertisement ($200 Cash Prize)

CRAFT CATEGORIES
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Production Design
Best Original Screenplay
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Original Score
Best Original Song
Best Sound Design
Best Costume Design
Best Hair and Makeup
Best Editing
Best Visual Effects
Best Special Effects
Best Stunt Choreography

ADDITIONAL AWARDS
Audience Choice
• Voted on at the festival by the audience amongst all official selections screened.
Inspirational Finalist
• Films with an inspiring message, chosen by the jury.
Cult Finalist
• Films most likely to gain a cult following, chosen by the jury.
Local Spotlight
• Finalists filmed in British Columbia, highlighted by the jury.

Rules & Terms

By submitting a film to the INSPIRE Cinema Fest, you agree to the following terms and conditions. These guidelines are in place to ensure fairness, clarity, and the highest standard of artistic celebration.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY
• Submissions must fall within one of the three official categories. To be eligible for craft categories, the film must be submitted to one of the main categories:

Best Advertisement (1-minute Advertisement/Branded Short)

Best Music Video (5-minute Original Music Video)

Best Narrative Short (10-minute Narrative Short Film)

• Films must adhere to the time limits stated per category. Projects exceeding the specified runtime may be disqualified. Credits must fall within the time limit.
• All submissions must be in English or contain English subtitles.
• All films must be original works, and the submitting party must hold all necessary rights (including music, footage, and imagery). The festival is not liable for any copyright or intellectual property disputes.
• We welcome global submissions.
• Films with gratuitous violence, gore, explicit nudity, overt political propaganda, glorification of suicide, or excessive racism that does not advance the narrative will NOT be accepted.

PREMIERE STATUS & SCREENING RIGHTS
• Premieres are not required, though premiere status (World, National, Local, or Online Premiere) may be noted during programming.
• By submitting your work, you grant INSPIRE Cinema Fest the right to screen your film publicly if selected.
• You also authorize the festival to use stills, posters, and brief clips (under 60 seconds) from your film for promotional purposes across social media, festival trailers, press materials, and the festival website.

FORMAT & TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Accepted screening formats include .mp4 or .mov files in 1080p or 4K resolution.
• All selected films must be submitted without watermarks.
• Final screeners must meet broadcast standards. Poor quality submissions (e.g., low resolution, distorted audio, or missing subtitles when required) may be disqualified.
• If your film is selected, a digital file must be delivered by the deadline to ensure inclusion in the program.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) GUIDELINES
• Use of AI in any part of the production (e.g., writing, voice, visuals, music) must be disclosed upon submission.
• AI-generated content must not infringe on any existing rights, including likeness rights, copyrighted works, or intellectual property.
• The submitting party is solely responsible for ensuring proper permissions and legal compliance for any AI-generated content.
• INSPIRE Cinema Fest reserves the right to disqualify any project found to be in violation of applicable laws or rights.

FEES, REFUNDS & SUBMISSIONS
• All submission fees are non-refundable, regardless of acceptance or selection status.
• Submission does not guarantee selection. All entries will be reviewed by a programming team and judged by an appointed jury.
• Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway only. No physical submissions will be accepted.
• No waivers or fee discounts are provided except in exceptional cases with prior written approval.

JURY & AWARDS
• A curated jury of filmmakers, designers, musicians, and creatives will evaluate selected films based on originality, craft, emotional impact, and storytelling.
• Decisions of the jury are final and cannot be appealed.
• Cash prizes will be awarded in the three main categories:

Best Narrative Short Film – $500

Best Music Video – $300

Best Advertisement – $200

• Craft awards (non-cash) will be given across multiple categories, including directing, cinematography, acting, sound, production design, and more.
• To be eligible for craft awards, the film must also be submitted to a main category.

ATTENDANCE & REPRESENTATION
• Selected filmmakers are encouraged to attend the festival in Vancouver, BC.
• If you are unable to attend, a representative may join on your behalf with prior written notice.
• Selected films may be screened publicly during the festival and included in post-festival highlight reels or press coverage.
• Films selected to be screened at the festival will receive TWO complimentary tickets.

FINAL NOTES
• The INSPIRE Cinema Fest does not pay screening fees for selected films.
• By submitting, you agree not to request screening fees as a condition of participation.
• All decisions regarding programming, awards, and scheduling are at the sole discretion of the festival and are not subject to negotiation or appeal.
• INSPIRE Cinema Fest reserves the right to disqualify any submission that does not comply with these rules or fails to reflect the spirit of the festival.