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Student Short Film Competition open to high school students across the province of Ontario.
Selected Films are shown on the big screen during Festival Week!
Winners are awarded bursaries and prizes to support their and/or their school's future filmmaking endeavours.
Student Film Competition
VFF is deeply committed to nurturing young talent through our Student Film Competition, which invites high school students across Ontario to submit their short films. This initiative provides budding filmmakers with a unique opportunity to have their work screened in front of a live audience and judged by industry professionals. Winners are awarded bursaries and prizes to support their future endeavors in filmmaking, helping to inspire the next generation of storytellers. By fostering creativity and offering valuable exposure, VFF empowers young filmmakers to take their first steps into the world of cinema.
2025 Student Film Lineup Trailer
Please note VFF's Student Film Competition is a local category open to Ontario high school student filmmakers only enrolled in an Ontario secondary school.
Accepted Student Films
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Students whose submissions are selected will have their films screened and celebrated in a theatre setting in front of a large audience comprised of fellow students, industry professionals and local film enthusiasts.
2025 Prizes
Winning Student Film
An exclusive invitation to attend the prestigious VFF Awards.
A $3,000 contribution to the school department that supported the film project (e.g. Arts, Drama or Communications Technology).
Recognition on stage with award presented in front of an audience of over 600 guests including industry professionals, dignitaries & film enthusiasts.
$3,000 in Equipment Rental Credits courtesy of Ontario Camera.
Student Film Runners-Up (2)
An exclusive invitation to attend the prestigious VFF Awards.
A $1,500 contribution to the school department that supported the film project (e.g. Arts, Drama or Communications Technology).
Recognition on stage with award presented in front of an audience of over 600 guests including industry professionals, dignitaries & film enthusiasts.
$2,000 in Equipment Rental Credits courtesy of Ontario Camera.
All prizes will be distributed directly to the winning high schools through the teacher or principal who endorsed the submission. Prize funds are intended for use within the school at its discretion. For student film finalists, the exclusive invitation to attend VFF’s prestigious Awards Ceremony (value $1,200) includes two student tickets and two educator tickets. Attendance at the ceremony requires at least one representative of the finalist film to be present.
*The prizes listed above were for the VFF 2025 festival season. Prizes are subject to change.
Ready to Submit?
Submissions Open: October 1, 2025
Submissions Close: January 31, 2026
Before You Submit
Please take the time to carefully review all competition rules on the submission form. The FAQ section included in the form will help answer common questions, and you can also view the Sample Submission Form as a guide on how to properly complete your entry. Films missing required application information or documentation will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Ensure all materials are submitted accurately and on time to avoid disqualification.
Important Deadline Information
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Final deadline: January 31, 2026
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All submissions must be received by 11:59 P.M. EST
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Use an email address you can access year-round for all filmmaker communications
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No extensions to the deadline will be granted and films submitted past the deadline will not be considered.
Step 1: Download Submission Form
Step 2: Review Sample Form
Step 3: Email Form & Film to