CFAs: Screen BC Short Film Award (Canada)

The Screen BC Short Film Award (fka 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. Creators of diverse voices and perspectives are encouraged to apply.

Funding Information

• The award competition takes place at the Whistler Film Festival where 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 their project with the guidance of experienced industry professionals and support services provided by the top supply houses in British Columbia.

Eligibility Criteria

• 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).
• Must not have directed more than 60 minutes of professional live action, documentary, dramatic or comedic films (student films credits will not count towards this – all other directing credits, including productions currently in development, will); 3 | Screen BC Short Film Award | FY2024/25.
• Must agree to grant Screen BC, Creative BC and the Whistler Film Festival the right to stream, screen and exploit the completed film (non-commercial use/promotional purposes only).
• Must agree that the world premiere screening of the completed short will be at the Whistler Film Festival in the winter of 2025.
• Previous recipients of an MPPIA Short Film Award are not eligible to apply for this award again.

For more information, visit Creative BC.