The MAYWORKS FESTIVAL OF WORKING PEOPLE & THE ARTS is a community-based multi-disciplinary festival which annually presents new works by a broad range of artists. We present bold and insightful responses to pressing issues at the intersection of art, social justice and labour.

We are currently seeking film submissions of any length and genre.

We encourage works rooted in the reality of working people’s lives that challenge the logics of capitalism and reimagine and inspire paths to economic and social justice.

Mayworks 2022 will exhibit work online and, as possible, live in public venues.

Mayworks organizes well-informed panel discussions, artist talks and a variety of networking events to support the presentation of original and contemporary art in a breadth of formats.

The festival pays all presenting artists an exhibition fee based on the CARFAC fee schedule.

Filmmakers who have recently screened at Mayworks include: Hiba Ali, Yasmine Mathurin, Julia Reichert, Steven Bognar, Ken Loach, Roya DelSol, Perun Bonser, Michelle Latimer, Samay Arcentales, Asinnajaq

Mayworks prioritizes the representation and participation of artists from communities facing systemic discrimination.

Feel free to contact us at submissions@mayworks.ca

Filmmakers requiring fee waivers are encouraged to reach out.

Artists working in a medium other than film, who wish to have their work presented at Mayworks, are welcome to send us a project description.

Rules & Terms

Films of any length and genre, completed after May 2019 are eligible.

Local and international films are accepted.

Rough cuts are accepted but a final cut must be submitted by January 5th 2022.

All non-English language submissions must have English subtitles.

All applicable licenses and waivers of copyrights, moral rights, trademarks and other such intellectual property rights must have been secured by the filmmaker(s).

Submission fees are non-refundable.

Exhibition formats and shipping arrangements for selected films will be determined closer to the festival dates.

The dates, times, and locations of screenings of selected films is at the discretion of the festival.

Participation in the Mayworks festival implies understanding and acceptance of these regulations:
1) Mayworks is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes.
2) All selected films must provide captions for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
3) The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.
4) The submitter shall indemnify and hold harmless Mayworks from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
2 Reviews
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  • Peter Findlay

    Mayworks is an important festival for anyone telling stories about working people in Canada. Not only does it celebrate the rich history of labour, but it also casts a critically important eye on class dynamics in an era when the gains of workers are constantly under attack. Thanks for working so hard for putting on a festival during a pandemic (still going on!!) and giving the autoworkers of Oshawa a chance to be heard!

    June 2022
    Helpful
  • Jared Katsiane

    Excellent communication and organization; strong program!

    June 2022
    Helpful