Call for Nominations: MPPIA Short Film Award (Canada)

MPPIA Short Film Award is an industry initiative of the Motion Picture Production Industry Association (MPPIA), in partnership with Creative BC and the Whistler Film Festival Society.

The MPPIA Short Film Award will provide one emerging filmmaker with an opportunity to further develop his/her/their directing career by realizing a unique creative vision. This program was established to recognize and celebrate the contribution of film and television to the Province of British Columbia.

Award Details

• The successful candidate will receive a $15,000 cash award, plus services “in-kind” valued up to $100,000 from across the industry, enabling the filmmaker to complete his/her/their project with the guidance of experienced industry professionals and support services provided by the top supply houses in British Columbia.

Eligible Projects

• The Project
  • Must showcase British Columbia talent in front of and behind the camera (MPPIA and Creative BC funds may not be used towards procuring foreign talent);
  • Must have a finished running time of not more than 10 minutes in length;
  • Must be based on an original work;
  • Must be live action drama or docu-drama (animation or documentary scripts will not be accepted);
  • Must be completed within 11 months of the “Award Date” and in time for screening at the 2024 Whistler Film Festival; and
  • Must be mastered and delivered in HD.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Applicants
  • Must be the director of the proposed project;
  • One Director per application, one application per Director. Co-Director projects will not be accepted under any circumstances;
  • Must be 19 years of age or older;
  • Must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident;
  • Must currently reside in the province of British Columbia and have lived in British Columbia for a minimum of 12 months prior to submitting the application to Creative BC;
  • Must have creative control and final editorial authority over the proposed project;
  • Must, at minimum, be either a graduate from a post-secondary institution or recognized film school, or possess equivalent experience in the film industry and, through their body of work, be able to demonstrate ability and talent;
  • Must have directed and completed at least two short films or television projects that demonstrate the expertise and imagination required to meet the challenges of creating an original and visionary short film (student films do count); and
  • Must agree that the world premiere screening of the completed short will be at the Whistler Film Festival in the winter of 2024.
  • Previous recipients of an MPPIA Short Film Award are not eligible to apply for this award again. This award is not intended for established film industry professionals.

For more information, visit Creative BC.