Closed
Source verified September 19, 2026
Screen BC Short Film Award
Support for an emerging filmmaker’s short film
Offered by
Get notified when Screen BC Short Film Award reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 19, 2026Latest change: The Screen BC Short Film Award page now says the program is currently closed, replacing the previously listed August 25, 2026 opening and September 15, 2026 closing dates, and it adds a second contact.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 19, 2026
Latest change: The Screen BC Short Film Award page now says the program is currently closed, replacing the previously listed August 25, 2026 opening and September 15, 2026 closing dates, and it adds a second contact.
Screen BC Short Film Award closes
The Screen BC Short Film Award page now states that the program is currently closed, replacing the previously listed application window of August 25, 2026 at 4:00 PM PT to September 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM PT. A second program contact, Julie Stangeland, was added, and the guidelines, application checklist, and evaluation matrix links were relabeled for 2026/27 while pointing to the same documents.
Funding available
$ 15,000 - $ 115,000
Deadline
Unspecified
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.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
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
- Complete the online application form with the required project and team information, budget top sheet, Creative Package, full script, audience and marketing plan, Key Creative Team document, Community Engagement Plan and/or Letter of Support if applicable, and Director Statement.
- Review the comprehensive checklist on the website to guide your application and ensure your submission includes all required information.
- If there are any changes to the application after submission, update or revise the information and documentation via email, with a maximum of one revision allowed prior to the application deadline.
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.
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 mparry@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.
Is the Screen BC Short Film Award a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Screen BC Short Film Award is a Other Support