Returning for the 2026 Just For Laughs Montreal Festival, JUST FOR LAUGHS PILOTS, presented by Just For Laughs in partnership with Will Arnett’s Electric Avenue, will spotlight 3 of the most original and hilarious independent half-hour pilots from around the world.

We’re looking for bold, laugh-out-loud comedies, whether they’re sharp satires, clever mockumentaries, heartfelt rom-coms, or daringly unique concepts designed to captivate audiences. Each pilot, live-action or animated, scripted or unscripted, must be independently produced and undistributed as a multi-episode series.

The pilot must display clear series potential; standalone short films will not be considered

Awards & Prizes

The selected pilots will be screened live in July at our Just For Laughs Montreal Festival.

A jury of filmmaking, comedy, and programming experts, selected by Just For Laughs and Electric Avenue, will assist in selecting the chosen lineup and grand jury winner, which will be announced at the screening.

- The Grand Jury Prize is a development opportunity with Just For Laughs and Electric Avenue, in addition to two industry passes for the 2027 festival.
- An audience award will also be awarded with two industry passes for the 2027 festival.
- All final selections will enter into a development opportunity with Just For Laughs

Rules & Terms

Criteria for Submissions:

- Open to artists worldwide! (All submissions must be in English.)
- Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway to qualify.
- Eligible content must have been completed in 2025 or 2026.
- Premieres (World, North American, or Canadian) are encouraged but not required.
- Running time must be between 15 and 30 minutes (including credits).
- Content may have been previously self-published online (e.g., on personal or creator-owned social channels or websites). However, submissions must not have been released via television, streaming platforms, theatrical distribution, or third-party curatorial or distribution partners in Canada prior to the festival’s closing date (festival screenings are okay).
- Submissions screened at other festivals are allowed. Works may be publicly available online if they were self-published by the creator; private YouTube or Vimeo links are also acceptable.

If Your Pilot is Selected:

- Selected pilots will be compiled into a screening program in a format determined by the Festival. You’ll be notified about the required format.
- Selected filmmakers are expected to make every effort to attend the festival. A small travel stipend will be provided to help facilitate attendance. Please note: your pilot may not be included in the final screening if you cannot attend.
- You’ll need to complete, sign, and return a screening agreement provided by the Festival.
- We may request additional marketing materials, such as artwork, film stills, or filmmaker photos, for use on our website, press kits, and promotional efforts.
- Each project will receive two (2) industry passes to the festival.
- Following the festival, selected pilots will be presented on Just For Laughs Festival’s owned digital platform non-exclusively for an honorarium. The Festival may also use clips or excerpts from selected shorts for promotional purposes across its social and digital channels.

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS & CONDITIONS THOROUGHLY: https://bit.ly/3MPJyUv

By submitting a film to JFL, the submitter grants the Festival the right to use an excerpt from the film for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film confirms they are authorized to commit the film for screening and understands and accepts all requirements and regulations outlined. The submitter agrees to indemnify and hold JFL harmless from any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses (including attorney's fees and court costs) arising from any issues related to copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, or the loss or damage of the submitted screening video.