ABOUT VQFF
The Vancouver Queer Film Festival is one of the largest queer arts events in Western Canada, located on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We illuminate, celebrate, and advance queer lives through film, education, and dialogue. Each year, we showcase eleven days of outstanding cinema, live performances, community-building events and parties, all with a background of beautiful mountain and ocean views.
We believe artists should be paid fairly for their work. As such, all selected films are offered a competitive screening fee. We seek content in all genres, authored by 2SLGBTQIA+ creators and centred on 2SLGBTQIA+ protagonists. We love stories that overturn stereotypes, push boundaries, and celebrate Two Spirit, queer, and trans people, communities and artists. We uplift 2SLGBTQIA+ voices and stories across BC, Canada, and the world.
VQFF recognizes filmmakers through a variety of juried and audience awards.
RBC NARRATIVE CHANGE AWARD
(Cash Prize)
Sponsored by RBC, nominated by the programming team, and selected by a jury, this $5,000 cash prize honours a Canadian or International film that uses the power of cultural strategy to overturn outdated narratives, inspire change, and expand the audience’s perception of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
GERRY BRUNET MEMORIAL AWARD: BEST BRITISH COLUMBIA SHORT
(Cash Prize / In-kind Camera Package)
This prize celebrates the best short film made in BC by local filmmakers. All British Columbian films are eligible for this Award. This award was established in 1997 in recognition of Gerry Brunet, a lifelong contributor to the arts and an early Out On Screen board member. It is supported by the Directors Guild of Canada-BC and determined by audience vote.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
(Cash Prize / In-kind Camera Package)
All films selected for the Festival are eligible for the People’s Choice Awards.
We collect Audience votes across all screenings in the following categories:
People’s Choice Awards: Canadian Short
People’s Choice Awards: Canadian Feature
People’s Choice Awards: International Feature
People’s Choice Awards: International Short