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Firecracker Department is a place for female and non-binary artists to connect, create, and empower each other. www.firecrackerdepartment.com
Our Vancouver Chapter is based on the unceded, traditional, and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Now in our second year, we are pleased to present Vancouver's Firecracker Film Fest at GEMFest.
Important Dates
Sat Oct 04 - Applications Open
Sat Nov 29 - Applications Close
Sat Jan 31 - Notifications go out to all filmmakers
Sat Feb 07 - Deadline for filmmakers to accept invitation
Sat Feb 14 - Deadline for all deliverables from filmmakers
Sat Mar 07 - Firecracker Film Fest at GEMFest, program begins at 11:00am
General Info
This application is for COMEDIC short films. Priority will be given to films under 10 minutes.
Our showcase location is the Lochmaddy Studio at VIFF Centre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC
Venue seats 41 people.
6-10 projects will be selected.
Event date - Sat Mar 07 with our program starts at 11:00am.
Priority will be given to BC Filmmakers.
Priority will be given to films with female or non-binary protagonists.
Rules and Guidelines
The films we showcase will have women and gender-diverse filmmakers in at least two of the following three key creative roles: Writer, Producer, Director. (The same creative may fill more than one role.)
Key creatives must be a member of the Firecracker Department Community Facebook page and subscribe to our newsletter.
Gender-diverse is an umbrella term used to encompass transgender, non-binary, two-spirit, gender non-conforming individuals. If you are not sure whether your film is eligible based on your gender expression, please feel free to contact us for clarification.
Should the submitted film not adhere to this eligibility requirement or the following rules and terms, Firecracker Film Fest retains the right to disqualify said film and is not obligated to contact the submitting party or refund the submission fee.
Firecracker Film Fest is for comedic short films. It would be great if your film makes us laugh, but we define a comedy as ending in hope.
Films that have received other forms of distribution, such as subscriber television or online platforms, are eligible.
Films must be fewer than 5 years old, as of Jan 01, 2026, copyright date of 2021.
If filmmakers have submitted this short film to GEMFest 2026 separately and are accepted there, they will not be included in Firecracker Film Fest. If your film is not accepted into GEMFest, filmmakers still have a chance with us!
Selection and Notification
Submissions will be reviewed by a selection of judges and curated by the Festival Curators.
Filmmakers will be notified on Jan 31, 2026. Filmmakers will have to confirm or decline their participation in the festival after notification.
All communications will be sent electronically, including selection and notification letters. Please make sure the email address and phone number provided as the submission contact on the entry form are correct.
Promotional materials of films selected for Firecracker Film Fest 2026 become the property of Firecracker Film Fest and can be used to promote Firecracker Film Fest and GEMFest 2026 in all media, including film, television, radio, print, and the Internet.
The deadline for all deliverables is FRIDAY FEBRUARY 07, 2026 AT MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME.