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Student Film Competition
What is the VFF Student Film Competition?
The VFF Student Film Competition is an initiative dedicated to supporting and showcasing the next generation of filmmakers. Open to high school students across Ontario, the competition invites young creatives to submit their short films for the opportunity to have their work screened in front of a live audience and evaluated by industry professionals. Selected films are celebrated in a theatrical setting, and winners receive bursaries and prizes to support their continued education and growth in filmmaking. Through hands-on exposure, professional feedback, and public recognition, the competition empowers students to take meaningful first steps into the world of cinema.
2025 Student Film Lineup Trailer
Please note: VFF's Student Film Competition is a local category open only to Ontario high school students 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.
Student Short Film Competition open to high school students across the province of Ontario.
Selected Films are shown on the big screen at the Student Screening.
Winners are awarded bursaries and prizes to support their and/or their school's future filmmaking endeavours.
2026 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.
*Prizes are subject to change.
Second Semester Submissions
Ready to Submit?
New for 2026: To streamline the submission process, PDF submission forms are no longer used. All submissions must be completed through the Google Form linked below in Step 2.
Submissions Open: February 1, 2026
Submissions Close: June 30, 2026
Before You Submit
Please take the time to carefully review all competition rules in the VFF Student Film Competition Terms & Conditions document. The FAQ section included in the Terms & Conditions document will help answer common questions. Films missing required application information or documentation will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Ensure all materials are submitted accurately and on time via the Google Form to avoid disqualification.
Important Deadline Information
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Final deadline: June 30, 2026.
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All submissions must be received by 11:59 P.M. EST.
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Films must not exceed 10 minutes in total runtime (including credits).
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All films must have subtitles.
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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.
What You Need To Submit:
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.MOV or .MP4 file of your film
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Student I.D.'s scanned in single PDF file
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Teacher Acknowledgement by providing their First & Last Name & Email Address
Please note: Films submitted during the Second Semester Intake
(February 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026) will be considered for the 2027 Vaughan International Film Festival.
Step 1: Review Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
Step 2: Review Student I.D. Sample Page
Step 3: Submit Your Film through the Student Submission Google Form