Closed
Source verified April 9, 2026
Latest source updateLast Update: April 27, 2026Latest change: The grant now shows a live 2025/26 application window, a Formstack application link, and expanded checklist and guideline details.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Latest change: The grant now shows a live 2025/26 application window, a Formstack application link, and expanded checklist and guideline details.
Screen BC Short Film Award reopened with 2025/26 application details
The Screen BC Short Film Award has shifted from a closed listing to an active 2025/26 application round, with applications open August 25, 2025 and close September 15, 2025 at 4:00 PM PT. The page now includes the application form link, a detailed application checklist, and fuller guideline content covering required materials, project format, and eligibility details for applicants and projects.
Funding available
$ 15,000 - $ 115,000
Deadline
September 15, 2025
Opened August 25, 2025
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
This program offers one emerging filmmaker a $15,000 cash award plus in-kind services valued up to $100,000. It supports the creation of an original live-action short film and includes production, post-production, and industry support.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Attract or retain talent
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 115,000 $
- Minimum amount : 15,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and production of an original live-action short film
- Completion of a short film for premiere at the Whistler Film Festival
Documents Needed
- Project title, logline, and description
- Director resume
- Lead producer resume
- Two letters of reference for the director
- Full script, creative package, and budget top sheet
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Emerging filmmakers
- Directors of short film projects
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in British Columbia
Who is not eligible
- Established film industry professionals
- Co-director projects
- Previous recipients of the Screen BC or MPPIA Short Film Award
Eligible expenses
- Production and post-production services
- Equipment, supplies, and materials
- Pre-production support such as office space, accounting, and mentorship
- Editing, transfers, dubbing, and VFX support
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Foreign talent acquisition
- Animation or documentary scripts
- Projects longer than 10 minutes
- Co-director projects
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Selection criteria
- Knowledge, experience, track record, and talent potential of the director and producer
- Capacity of the applicant and key personnel to execute the project
- Connection to the subject matter
- Creative strength, quality, originality, and uniqueness of the project
- Market potential and feasibility of the planned activities
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare application materials
- Gather the project details, resumes, references, script, creative package, marketing plan, and budget top sheet.
- Prepare any optional community engagement materials if relevant.
- Step 2: Complete the online form
- Fill out the online application form with the required project and team information.
- Upload all required documents through the online system.
- Step 3: Submit before the deadline
- Send the application electronically by the stated deadline.
- Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first reviewed for eligibility and missing documents by Creative BC staff.
- Eligible applications are assessed by an advisory panel, then shortlisted applicants are invited to pitch.
- One winner is selected by unanimous vote of the pitch panel.
- All decisions are confirmed by email and are final.
- Successful applicants must sign an agreement before drawdowns are released.
Additional information
- There is no application fee.
- Only one application is allowed per director.
- Late, incomplete, or revised submissions after the deadline may be rejected.
- All funding decisions are final.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Screen BC Short Film Award Program
What is the Screen BC Short Film Award?
This program offers one emerging filmmaker a $15,000 cash award plus in-kind services valued up to $100,000. It supports the creation of an original live-action short film and includes production, post-production, and industry support.
How much funding can be received?
Screen BC Short Film Award Funds up to $115,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was September 15, 2025.
Who is eligible for the Screen BC Short Film Award program?
To be eligible for the Screen BC Short Film Award program, you must:
Emerging filmmaker only
BC resident director
Original short film project
What expenses are eligible under Screen BC Short Film Award?
Development and production of an original live-action short film
Completion of a short film for premiere at the Whistler Film Festival
Who can I contact for more information about the Screen BC Short Film Award?
You can contact Creative BC by email at rmacabulos@creativebc.com.
Where is the Screen BC Short Film Award available?
The Screen BC Short Film Award program is available the province of British Columbia.