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UPDATE: Submissions for VISFF 2025 are now closed! But please note that we're STILL ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR THE YOUTH SHOWCASE. Eligible filmmakers 18 years or younger have until February 1st to submit their short films under twenty minutes and may use the waiver code 20VISFFYOUTH2025 to submit their films for free.

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The 20th annual VISFF is happening May 1st – 3rd, 2025, at the Malaspina Theatre on the traditional and ancestral territory of Snuneymuxw First Nation in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.

The 2025 VISFF will feature 20 short films curated into two unique programs, with live Q&A sessions, and the Goldie Awards Ceremony closing the festival on Saturday evening. Audiences will be able to experience the festival in person and online. A Judging Committee will select winners in several categories, including Best Film and Best Performance.

The 20th annual VISFF will also feature a Youth Showcase, a program of 10 short films by young people 18-years-old and younger. The Youth Showcase is a family-friendly program that allows young filmmakers to screen their films in a supportive, youth-focused festival environment. The Youth Showcase will conclude with a Youth Goldie Award Ceremony. We invite all young filmmakers to submit their films for free!

VISFF is also pleased to announce that we'll be celebrating our twentieth anniversary with a special program featuring some of our favourite films from the last twenty years!

Since 2006, the VISFF has built a reputation with filmmakers and audiences as a showcase for outstanding Canadian and International short films. The annual festival connects filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences in an immersive and welcoming festival experience. Our mandate is to curate an original program of short films that celebrates diverse voices and perspectives in the art of storytelling and provide opportunities for connection and education between local and international filmmakers, audiences and community members.

Awards & Prizes

Filmmakers will be paid artist fees of $150 CND for the films selected for the 2024 VISFF screenings, and Goldie Award trophies will be presented to filmmakers chosen by our judging committee. Filmmakers who take part in Q&A sessions will receive an additional participation fee of $50 CDN. There are cash awards for winners of the Goldie Awards.

Films included in the 2025 Youth Showcase will not receive artist fees, but will be eligible for Youth Goldie Awards for Best Youth Film and People’s Choice.

Rules & Terms

QUALIFICATIONS, RULES and REGULATIONS for CONSIDERATION by the SELECTION COMMITTEE

1. The VISFF defines Short Films as having a running time of 20 minutes or less, including credits.

2. VISFF accepts films in any genre, with the exception of previews, advertisements, or music videos.

2. Films previously screened at the VISFF are not eligible for re-entry in subsequent years.

3. If the primary language of a film is not in English, then it must have hardcoded English subtitles.

4. Short Films must be submitted online, in the highest quality possible. Films will be projected and broadcast in High Definition at 1080p.

5. A fee is required upon online submissions, which must be paid in full. One entry per fee.

6. Short Films must be compliant with all copyright laws. Filmmakers are responsible for acquiring clearance for any copyrighted material. Failure to obtain clearance will result in your film being withdrawn from the Festival. In this event, VISFF will not issue a refund of the submission fee.

7. VISFF reserves two spots of the festival program for local films. A local film is defined as a film with production ties to Vancouver Island.

8. Two spots in the program are reserved for the Festival Directors choice, which will be chosen by the festival director after the Selection Committee makes their final selection decisions.

9. By submitting to the VISFF, the filmmaker is granting festival organizers permission to screen the film at the VISFF. They also grant organizers use of selected clips in promotional materials for the festival. After the festival, VISFF may post the film online, but only if the film is publicly available for viewing.

10. Films will be chosen for the program by the Selection Committee. The committee may be composed of film industry experts, academics, artists, and other community members.

11. The VISFF celebrates diverse voices and perspectives in the art of storytelling. Films with strong, well-told narratives by diverse filmmakers will be given priority over films with high technical achievement.

12. Decisions of the Selection Committee are final; there is no appeal process.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, RULES and REGULATIONS for the YOUTH SHOWCASE

1. Submissions for the Youth Showcase will be extended until February 1st, 2025.

2. All films submitted must follow the full festival submission guidelines outlined above.

3. Acceptable submissions are limited to youth productions that are produced, written, directed, planned and executed entirely by the individual/team members. The involvement of parents, teachers and professionals is limited to minor, non-creative roles (i.e. technical advice, funding). Directors, camera operators, editors, etc., must all be 18 years old or younger.

3. Submissions may not include any:

• Copyrighted works without the permission of the copyright owner
• False or defamatory statements about any person or any third party
• Third party trademarks that suggest affiliation with any trademark owner without the permission of such owner
• Profanity, nudity, depictions of violence, threatening language, inappropriate, indecent, harmful, discriminatory, or obscene content, depiction of an act which is dangerous or suggests any person to undertake a dangerous activity
35 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Leslie Hopps DeSchutter

    The Vancouver Island Short Film Fest was a fantastic experience. We had an amazing time being part of such a well-organized event.

    April 2024
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  • Connie Jo Sechrist

    As a filmmaker, there's nothing quite like the thrill of presenting your work to an enthusiastic audience, and this festival certainly delivered on that front. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It felt less like attending a festival and more like reuniting with old friends. The festival coordinators go above and beyond to make each filmmaker feel celebrated and appreciated. I have no doubt that the festival will continue to flourish and grow in the years to come and I look forward to coming back.

    April 2024
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  • Esabella Strickland

    Great Event looking forward to attending next year

    March 2024
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  • Michael Makaroff

    Fantastic festival run by film lovers. Nothing bad could be said about this festival - everyone wanted to be there and was excited about sharing their films. Highly recommend this festival to anyone wanting to spend a weekend with likeminded film folk. Beautiful venue and sharply organized.

    March 2024
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  • Javier Badillo

    Thank you VISFF for accepting Lupe Q and the Galactic Corn Cake. You're an amazing team. I watched some of the best selections of short films I've seen in a long time. See you next time!

    March 2024
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