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Women in Film Vancouver International Film Festival &
WIF Vancouver Spotlight Awards

Presented by Women in Film Vancouver
WIFF Vancouver celebrates female-forward storytelling from British Columbia, Canada, and around the world — showcasing outstanding films while supporting creators through connection, visibility, and career development.

SUBMISSION CATEGORIES

International Narrative Feature - Narrative films from anywhere in the world with a runtime of 40 minutes or longer.

Eligible for:

  • Best Feature Film

  • Feature Film Competition Awards

  • Audience Choice Award

  • Select Signature Awards

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International Narrative Short - Narrative films from anywhere in the world with a runtime under 40 minutes.

Eligible for:

  • Best Short Film

  • Short Film Competition Awards

  • Audience Choice Award

  • Select Signature Awards

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Documentary Feature - Documentary films from anywhere in the world with a runtime of 40 minutes or longer.

Eligible for:

  • Best Documentary

  • Documentary Competition Awards

  • Audience Choice Award

  • Select Signature Awards

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Documentary Short - Documentary films from anywhere in the world with a runtime under 40 minutes.

Eligible for:

  • Documentary Competition Awards

  • Audience Choice Award

  • Select Signature Awards

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Emerging Filmmaker Competition - Open to filmmakers presenting a debut project, first feature, first short, or early-career work.

Eligible for:

Rising Filmmaker Award

Best First-Time Filmmaker

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Student Film Competition - Open to films created by students currently enrolled in an accredited secondary, post-secondary, film, media, or arts program at the time of production.

Eligible for:

Best Student Film

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Best of Canada Competition - Open to films produced in Canada or by Canadian filmmakers.

Eligible for:

Best Canadian Feature

Best Canadian Short

Best Canadian Director

Best Canadian Screenwriter

Best Canadian Cinematography

Best Canadian Actor

Best Canadian Actress

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Best of British Columbia Competition - Open to films produced in British Columbia or by British Columbia-based filmmakers.

Eligible for:

Best British Columbia Feature

Best British Columbia Short

Best British Columbia Director

Best British Columbia Screenwriter

Best British Columbia Cinematography

Best British Columbia Actor

Best British Columbia Actress

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Female Forward Competition

Open to films that meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Female Director

  • Female Screenwriter

  • Female Producer

  • Female Lead Character

  • Female-Centered Story

Eligible for:

  • Female Forward Award

  • Impact Award

  • She Leads Award

  • Select Signature Awards

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Film Awards

  • Best Feature Film

  • Best Short Film Gold​

  • Best Documentary

 
Feature Film Competition - Recognizing excellence in feature filmmaking.

  • Best Director

  • Best Screenplay

  • Best Actress

  • Best Supporting Actress

  • Best Actor

  • Best Supporting Actor

  • Best Producer

  • Best Cinematography

  • Best Editing

  • Best Production Design

  • Best Costume Design

  • Best Original Score

  • Audience Choice Award

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Short Film Competition- Recognizing excellence in short-form filmmaking.

  • Best Director - short film

  • Best Screenplay- short film

  • Best Actress- short film

  • Best Supporting Actress- short film

  • Best Actor- short film

  • Best Supporting Actor- short film

  • Best Producer- short film

  • Best Cinematography - short film

  • Best Editing - short film

  • Best Production Design - short film

  • Best Costume Design - short film

  • Best Original Score - short film

  • Audience Choice Award

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Documentary Film Competition - Recognizing excellence in documentary filmmaking.

  • Best Director - documentary

  • Best Producer - documentary​

  • Best Director - documentary - short

  • Best Producer - documentary - short

  • Audience Choice Award

 
Emerging Awards 

  • Rising Filmmaker Award - feature & short

  • Best First-Time Filmmaker - feature & short 

  • Best Student Film

WIFF VANCOUVER SPOTLIGHT SIGNATURE AWARDS

THE HER FORWARD AWARD 

Festival's Highest Honor

 

Awarded to the film that best exemplifies female-driven storytelling, artistic excellence, and cultural impact.

Eligibility

A film must meet at least ONE of the following:

  • Female Director

  • Female Screenwriter

  • Female Producer

  • Female Lead Character

  • Female-Centered Story

 

Open to:

  • Features

  • Shorts

  • Documentaries

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THE TRAILBLAZER AWARD 

Honorary Award

 

Awarded annually to a woman who has made a significant contribution to the film and television industry and has helped create opportunities for others through leadership, innovation, mentorship, advocacy, or artistic achievement.

The Trailblazer Award is selected by Women in Film Vancouver and is not part of the public submission process.

 

Recipients may include:

  • Directors

  • Writers

  • Producers

  • Executives

  • Actors

  • Industry Leaders

  • Mentors

  • Advocates for Women in Media

 

The recipient is chosen by invitation and recognized for her lasting impact on the industry and the path she has created for future generations of filmmakers.

 

 

THE VISIONARY AWARD

 

Awarded to an exceptional female filmmaker whose creative vision demonstrates originality, artistic excellence, and innovation.

 

Eligibility

Awarded to an individual woman working in one of the following roles:

  • Director

  • Writer

  • Producer

  • Cinematographer

  • Editor

  • Composer

  • Production Designer

 

This award recognizes artistic achievement rather than a specific film.

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THE SHE LEADS AWARD

Awarded to an actress or female ensemble whose performance portrays leadership, courage, resilience, transformation, or inspiration.

 

Eligibility

May be awarded to:

  • Lead Actress

  • Supporting Actress

  • Female Ensemble Cast

This award celebrates the power of female representation on screen.

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SUBMISSIONS OPENING SUMMER 2026

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