Each August, the Vancouver Queer Film Festival proudly showcases films that illuminate the transformative moments in the lives of queer people – telling stories of the journeys we have taken to find ourselves, each other and our place in the world. We host 11 days and nights of outstanding cinema, performances, networking events and parties, all in the backdrop of beautiful mountain and ocean views.

The Vancouver Queer Film Festival is the largest LGBT arts event in Western Canada and the second-largest film festival in the city.

We seek work in all genres that confronts stereotypes, pushes boundaries and strives for change, arouses and tantalizes, and above all, highlights the tremendous diversity of queer artists, locally, nationally and internationally.

Annually, we showcase the best shorts made in British Columbia in a much-celebrated showcase, The Coast is Queer.

Awards & Prizes

All films selected for the Festival are eligible for the following awards:

-OUTtv People’s Choice Awards for Best Feature ($750)
-OUTtv People’s Choice Awards for Best Short ($500)

BC artists with a short film in the festival are eligible for:

-Gerry Brunet Memorial Award for Best BC short ($2,500 value) supported by Su Craik and Lisa Heddema and Directors Guild of Canada-BC.

Rules & Terms

1- Submit online via FilmFreeway.

2- You will receive an automatic reply confirming receipt of your submission

3- We are grateful for the opportunity to consider all work submitted. If yours is accepted, we will send an acceptance letter by mid-June. From there, we will require the exhibition format of your film by mid-July.

4- Shipment of exhibition materials to the festival must be paid by the applicant. Return shipment of exhibition materials will be paid by the Festival. Any additional fees associated with shipping must be paid by the recipient. VQFF accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of entries during shipment to or from the Festival.

5- Once a film is submitted, it may not be withdrawn.

7- Filmmakers wishing to submit rough cuts for consideration must clearly note that the film is a rough cut, and must supply the completed film before acceptance can be finalized.

8- If selected for the Festival, VQFF will remit payment by cheque (Canadian or US currency) or PayPal in the agreed amount by July preceding the Festival.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• Selected films will be Metro Vancouver premieres. A premiere must not have been previously been publicly screened in Metro Vancouver, broadcast in Canada or otherwise made publicly available (including online).
• Films that are available to purchase or for public viewing online are not eligible. This includes DVD/Blu-ray/VHS formats.

Submission permissions:

I permit Out On Screen permission to retain a copy of this work for a non-circulating Festival archive, and to distribute for media relations purposes. I give Out On Screen and the VQFF permission to use up to 3 minutes of footage or photographic stills from the work for broadcast, web publication or other promotional purposes. VQFF must be notified in writing of any press or photo restrictions or media restrictions.

I agree that, if accepted, an acceptable exhibition format (note we do not accept 3D submissions) will be made available for screening during the Festival by July 15. I hold the Festival harmless from damage to or loss of the print or tape during shipping to and from the Festival. I certify that I have read, understood and complied with all the festival regulations and terms of submission.

8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mike Hooves

    An extremely welcoming festival with a lot of kind people involved. I came from out of town to experience VQFF. Communication was consistent and flawless and every time I was at the fest I was having a great time. The swag bag was great, as was the closing gala. I cannot state enough how welcomed I felt and how validating it was a newbie filmmaker to be greeted with such enthusiasm. Inclusivity seemed to be a core value here, which is evident in the festival's programming and in attitude. There is clearly a lot of love and hard work put into this festival and it really shows. Thank you VQFF <3

    August 2018
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  • Francis Luta

    Nothing but positively great experience with VQFF. From the acceptance, communication, coordination, booking arrangements, press stuff, swag, parties and the actual screening. Great team behind the festival and thank you for nurturing emerging filmmakers!

    August 2017
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  • Joshua M. Ferguson

    Fantastic film festival with generous hospitality, beautiful venues and warm audiences.

    August 2017
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  • Linnea Ritland

    What an excellent festival! Really treats filmmakers with respect and care. Amazing, fantastic experience.

    August 2017
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  • Elie Tahchi

    Amazing experience! Amazing opportunity for Queer Cinema.

    August 2017
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