Deadlines
JAN 11, 2026Opens
FEB 15, 2026Regular
About festival
SHIFT
Shift Festival is a queer, feminist, and POC-focused film festival in Ottawa celebrating bold stories from underrepresented voices. Over two days, we showcase short films, features, panels, and community workshops that center Black, Indigenous, and queer experiences, highlighting joy, resilience, and creativity.
Festival Amenities
Filmmaker LoungeGreen RoomSwag BagsFilmmaker EventsQ&A SessionsAll Access BadgesComplimentary TicketsPriority SeatingProfessional HeadshotsSocial Media SpotlightFestival CatalogIndustry Panels
Accepted Content
Genres:
HorrorDramaMusicalComing of AgeMysteryAnimation
Comedysci-fiaction-adventure
Sub-Genres:
lgbtq-plusFeministhuman-rights-social-impactExperimentalBio PicComing of Age
SuspenseSilentFantasy-ComedyFantasy-DramaFamilyhistoricalDancechildren-familyenvironmental-outdoorRomantic Comedy
Film Types:
NarrativeDocumentaryExperimentalAnimation
Categories:
Short FilmFeature FilmDocumentaryTV Series
Festival Focus:
BIPOCSocial ChangeFirst-Time FilmmakerActivismDocumentaryEmerging Filmmakers
Disability
Submission Categories
Feature
Short film
Documentary
Tv series
Contact
Festival Rules
Eligible Film Categories:
SHIFT Film Festival accepts the following formats:
- Short Films (fiction, documentary, experimental, animation)
- Mid-length Films
- Feature Films
- Essay films and hybrid works
All genres are welcome, provided the work aligns with the festival’s themes and values.
Runtime Requirements:
Short Films: up to 30 minutes
Mid-length Films: 31–59 minutes
Feature Films: 60 minutes and over
There is no minimum runtime.
Themes & Artistic Focus:
SHIFT prioritizes films that explore:
-Gender, sexuality, and body autonomy
-Pleasure, intimacy, and desire
-Feminist, queer, trans, and non-binary perspectives
-Black, Indigenous, and racialized experiences
-Political, social, and experimental approaches to storytelling
Films that challenge dominant narratives, reclaim marginalized bodies, or experiment with form are especially encouraged.
Premiere Status:
Canadian premiere is not required.
Films may have screened at other festivals.
Online premieres are accepted.
SHIFT values access and circulation over exclusivity.
Distribution & Rights:
-Filmmakers retain all rights to their work.
-By submitting, filmmakers grant SHIFT Film Festival the right to:
Screen the film during the festival dates
Use excerpts, stills, and trailers for promotional purposes
-SHIFT does not claim any distribution rights.
-SHIFT does not require exclusivity.
Language & Subtitles:
Films in any language are accepted.
English or French subtitles are required for all non-English/French dialogue.
Subtitles must be provided by the filmmaker if selected.
Format & Exhibition:
Preferred screening format: Digital file
Online screening links may be requested for preview purposes.
Exhibition format and delivery specifications will be shared upon selection.
Notification & Screening:
Selected filmmakers will be notified via email.
Screening dates and times are determined by the festival.
Filmmakers are encouraged but not required to attend.
Code of Ethics:
SHIFT Film Festival reserves the right to refuse films that:
-Promote hate, discrimination, or violence
-Exploit trauma without critical or ethical context
-Reproduce harmful stereotypes or oppressive narratives
Agreement of Use:
Selected films agree to allow SHIFT Film Festival to use screenshots, clips, trailers, posters, and other promotional materials to promote the film and the festival across all media platforms. Filmmakers and invited guests agree to allow the festival to use their likeness in any photo, video, or audio recordings captured during the event for promotional and archival purposes. Filmmakers grant SHIFT Film Festival a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to screen their film as part of official festival exhibitions, including in-person and related community screenings, for a duration of one (1) year from the initial screening date. All rights remain with the filmmaker.
