PLEASE READ BELOW for new information on eligibility, fees, terms of consent, and how we select films.
- ELIGIBILITY -
i. Lead Creatives: Must be created by 2SLGBTQIA+ storytellers (i.e. director, writer, and/or lead producer).
ii. Story: Must be centered around 2SLGBTQIA+ protagonists. Films are not required to directly focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ themes (example: Queer romance) or adhere to common portrayals of queer characters. We love stories that overturn or challenge stereotypes and push boundaries for 2SLGBTQIA+ storytelling!
iii. Release Date: Must not have its initial release prior to 18 months before the festival dates. (i.e. no earlier than March 2025).
iv. Distribution: Before the Festival dates, films must not be available for purchase, be publicly viewable online, or have had a general theatrical release (other film festival screenings are acceptable). Episodic Web & TV Content must not have aired or be publicly available online in Canada.
v. Work-in-Progress: Will be evaluated, provided a final version can be delivered by May 1, 2026. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
vi. We welcome films in all languages. English subtitles must be available for the programming team to review the entry.
vii. Use of Artificial Intelligence: We prioritize the selection of human-created content. Any films or content made using AI must be disclosed in the entry/submission form.
viii. Commitment to PACBI: Our programming aims to follow the guidelines set out by the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI). More information can be found on our website.
- ENTRY PROTOCOL -
Please submit all entries via FilmFreeway. Rejected entries will be notified via FilmFreeway when the Festival programme is finalized.
Due to the number of entries, we cannot provide feedback on entries.
- SELECTIONS PROTOCOL -
i. The Festival programme and schedule will be confirmed by June 2026.
ii. Official invitations to selected films will be sent to the email address associated with the FilmFreeway entry.
iii. All films selected for the festival will receive a screening fee.
iv. Films must remain active on FilmFreeway until September 30, 2026.
v. VQFF may use stills and up to 2 minutes of footage from official selections for promotional and marketing purposes.
vi. Further details about selection and screening will be communicated via the invitation.
- SCREENING ACCESSIBILITY -
i. All selected films will be screened with open captions. Filmmakers will be asked to submit captions or subtitles in English. Films with foreign languages are required to provide English subtitles. For films in English, the Festival may arrange to create captions for screenings if captions cannot be provided.
ii. We strive to host as many online screenings as possible to create greater access to authentic 2SLGBTQIA+ stories. All online screenings will be geo-locked within the province of BC, have a maximum viewing cap, and be time-limited within or immediately after the in-person VQFF. We encourage selected teams to opt-in to an online screening.
- TRAVEL SUPPORT -
At the Festival’s discretion and according to the sponsorship available, we will support the travel expenses of select presenting filmmakers.
We have a small homestay program where members of the VQFF community provide private or shared accommodation for visiting artists.
- DEADLINES & FEES -
EARLY-BIRD DEADLINE | January 30, 2026
Narrative Features $25
Narrative Shorts $15
Documentary Features $25
Documentary Shorts $15
Episodic - TV $25
Episodic - Web $15
REGULAR DEADLINE | February 28, 2026
Narrative Features $35
Narrative Shorts $25
Documentary Features $35
Documentary Shorts $25
Episodic - TV $35
Episodic - Web $25
LATE DEADLINE | April 15, 2026
Narrative Features $45
Narrative Shorts $35
Documentary Features $45
Documentary Shorts $35
Episodic - TV $45
Episodic - Web $35
- FEE WAIVERS -
We offer fee waivers to Indigenous filmmakers, and filmmakers who are underrepresented at VQFF. To request a waiver code, please email us at entries@outonscreen.com.
- TERMS OF CONSENT -
Participation in the Vancouver Queer Film Festival implies understanding and acceptance of these regulations:
1) Vancouver Queer Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes.
2) 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.
3) The submitter shall indemnify and hold harmless Vancouver Queer Film Festival 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.
Further terms of consent will be sent to applicants who have had their film selected.
