A pioneer of LGBTQ+ cinema for nearly 40 years, image+nation is dedicated to sharing the stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ people. image+nation is an inclusive annual 11-day festival, the oldest of its kind in Canada, featuring award-winning locally and internationally produced films that strives to preserve the authenticity and diversity of LGBTQ+ voices.

image+nation's mission is to represent, protect and prepare present and future generations of queer storytellers and media makers while building empathy through sharing stories with audiences here in Canada, and throughout the world with new online initiatives.

Currently, image+nation is developing educational and mentoring programs dedicated to nurturing emerging content, particularly from underrepresented queer communities such as I+N Explore, inaugurated in 2016, I+N StoryLab and virtual and database projects now in development. Exciting initiatives working towards bringing queer creators together to make amazing things happen.

Now into its fourth decade of showcasing LGBTQ+ culture, image+nation explores New Queer Storytelling and the uniqueness and universality of these stories; striving to promote diversity, inclusivity and the many intersectional aspects of queer voices and communities.

// SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 15 September, 2026
IMAGE+NATION39: FESTIVAL FILM LGBT2SQUEER MONTREAL takes place 19 - 29 November, 2026 //

PRIX DU JURY / JURY AWARDS:
:: Feature
:: Documentary
:: Short
:: Performance
:: Cinematography
:: Special Jury Award(s)

PRIX DU PUBLIC / AUDIENCE AWARDS:
:: Feature
:: Documentary
:: Short

// SUBMISSIONS
:: Only secure online screeners will be accepted for submission

// EXHIBITION
:: Films will be considered for presentation in both physical and online venues.
:: Excerpts: Permission for excerpts not exceeding 3 minutes to be used for promotional purposes on television or radio programs is granted upon entry unless otherwise stated.

// SHIPPING
:: If physically sending exhibition materials please label material clearly with : title, production format, running time, year, sender's name, return address and telephone number.
:: For customs purposes, please indicate - For festival use only / no commercial value - on the package; value for customs: $1; or else you may be required to pay customs duties.
:: If shipping from outside of Canada, DO NOT SEND VIA UPS as this will incur large customs charges which the Festival will not pay and your entry will be returned.
:: Exhibition copies must be sent to the Festival prepaid. The Festival will pay for return or forward shipping. The Festival cannot accept nor assume responsibility for damage or loss of materials while in transit. In case of loss or damage during the Festival, the responsibility of the Festival is limited to the costs for repair or replacement of the print.
The Applicant in applying to the Festival agrees to release the Festival from any and all claims arising in any way from the submission of materials by or on behalf of the Applicant, whether on film, video or otherwise to the Festival.

// SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
_ secure online screener link of the film [**please ensure it is an external Vimeo link and NOT an embedded link only on the FilmFreeway platform**]
_ Stills [must be HI RES 300 dpi]
_ Press kit
_ Director's biography and filmography
_ Director's statement

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Wayne Burns

    Historic Queer Film Festival in Montreal. Huge supporter of Canadian Queer work.

    December 2025
  • Nico Susilo

    Thank you very much for including our film, Their World in Colour, for the 2025 Image+Nation Film Festival LGBT2SQueer Montreal! It's an honour to be part of this festival and be the voice of our community.

    December 2025
  • We've long submitted to this festival because their programming is always stellar. So we were ecstatic to have TWO of our clients screen in their 2024 edition!

    🏳️‍🌈 Lovin' Her
    🏳️‍🌈 Seahorse Parents

    December 2024
  • Simon Vermeulen

    Excellent logistics, well curated programs and warm, engaging panels.
    I am honoured that "Saint-Rémi" was selected in such a rich program. Thank you to the wonderful team of programmers!

    December 2024
  • Carmela Marie Murphy

    We are so thankful for image+nation for screening our film, A Bird Hit My Window and Now I'm a Lesbian. We were so honored to be a part of the Sapphic Scenes showcase! Lilou was super communicative and helpful.
    xoxo,
    Carmela and AJ

    December 2024