Community News & Opportunities

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45th Vancouver International Film Festival

October 1st – 11th

Bold Cinema, unforgettable Performances & Artists from around the world to Vancouver.

This year, VIFF presents more than 160 features, from some of contemporary cinema’s most celebrated filmmakers to a new generation of voices reshaping what film can be.The festival opens with Jesse Eisenberg’s The Debut, starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, and closes with Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine, starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell.

Closer to home, Canadian and BC filmmakers take centre stage across the program, with new work from Marie Clements, Mina Shum, Joella Cabalu, Banchi Hanuse, David Ehrenreich, Matthew Rankin, Sean Menard, Adrian Buitenhuis, and more.

This year also turns up the volume beyond the screen. VIFF’s largest VIFF Live program yet, curated byJarrett Martineau, runs throughout the festival, bringing cinema into conversation with music, comedy and performance.

And, the newly established Institute for the Moving Image gathers filmmakers, artists and industry leaders together for an expanded slate of professional development, collaboration and international exchange.

11 days. 160+ features. One city celebrating cinema. Explore the full program and get tickets at https://viff.org/festival/viff-2026/ #VIFF2026

https://viff.org/

Win Tickets to 3 Documentaries at VIFF!

Storied North is thrilled to support 3 phenomenal documentaries this year at VIFF, and so pleased to offer ticket giveaways for docu-film-lovers in the lead-up to this year’s festival! As the proud community partner for Vancouver International Film Festival we are offering a chance at tickets to see one of the following films with a guest.

TURTLE ISLAND RAP  by Alexandra Lazarowich, Screening at VIFF: Tuesday Oct 6th, 6:30pm and Thursday Oct 8th, 3:00pm

NITASSINAN by Joséphine Bacon and Kim O’Bomsawin Screening at VIFF: Thursday Oct 8th, 5:30pm and Friday Oct 9th, 2:30pm

THE WIND'S THIRST / LA SED DEL VIENTO by Alejandro Valbuena! North American Premiere Screening at VIFF: Thursday Oct 8th, 8:45pm & Friday Oct 9th, 1:45pm

Read about each film and details to enter giveaway to the film of your choice here: https://storiednorth.com/f/win-tix-to-3-documentaries-at-viff-2026 

Storiednorth.com

 

Ticket Giveaway for ‘Last Movies’ at VIFF!

Celluloid Social Club is a Community Partner!

Sunday, October 4, 8:30 pm, SFU-GCA

Tuesday, October 6, 4:15 pm, International Village 8

Tickets: https://viff.org/whats-on/viff26-last-movies/

Discount Code for $5 off: VF26CLDLM5OFF

Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival is back!

October 14–18, 2026

Cineplex Cinemas, International Village

The Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival returns, bringing audiences, filmmakers, and industry professionals together for five unforgettable days of premieres, filmmaker Q&As, industry events, and the very best in independent horror cinema.

From emerging Canadian voices to international genre programming, VHS is built around bold films, engaged audiences, and meaningful connections between filmmakers and the horror fans who support their work.

Tickets & Passes are on sale now!

www.vancouverhorroshow.ca

 

Big news: TELUS STORYHIVE is a

Shorty Impact Awards Finalist!

We’re thrilled to share that TELUS STORYHIVE has been named a finalist in two categories at the 11th Annual Shorty Impact Awards for our work on the Pan-Asian Storyteller Edition: Help us bring home the Audience Honour!

The Audience Honour is determined by fan votes, and you can Vote once every day through October 13, 2026.

CAST YOUR VOTE HERE!

Winners will be announced November 17, 2026

Crazy8s Application Deadline is October 16!

Six finalists will receive an in-kind production package and services worth tens of thousands of dollars, workshops and mentorship, and $2,000 cash to make a short film in just 8 days, then showcase it at a Gala Screening & Afterparty to the BC film and television industry!

Apply for #Crazy8sFilms27 on FilmFreeway https://filmfreeway.com/Crazy8s or at http://crazy8s.film

Get submission tips and more info: https://bit.ly/C827RegInfo Crazy8s is presented by the DGCBC.

Tightrope Theatre 1330 Napier Street, Vancouver

Our mission is to elevate the art of improvisation while providing joy and laughter to our community. Check out our classes & show schedule at our website, below.

Schedule & Tickets: HERE!

Maestro is a Tightrope Friday night staple! An elimination style improv show that brings twelve skilled performers together for a crash and burn competition to crown the best improvisor of the night! Your vote determines which players are eliminated until only one remains victorious, the Maestro champion!

We’re delighted to shout-out CRS regular Deb Sears, [[second from the top, right side!]] who’s been good enough to share a Complimentary tickets code below!!

Promo Code ME2526 or 2526VOUCHER - if the code doesn’t work, comp allotments for that night have been met!T

Tickets: HERE!

Ongoing Resources & Friends…..

Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver (GEMS) is a member-based organization committed to furthering gender equity in film and television. Previously named Women in Film and Television Vancouver (WIFTV), GEMS incorporated in 1989 as a not-for-profit society registered in British Columbia.

By addressing systemic barriers, GEMS works towards supporting more inclusive, representative media.

The Genre Film Lab / Coffee Chats - past chats available to view online!

gemsvancouver.org

BIZ Books

Your online source for film, television, and theatre books. We invite you to browse through our online store where you will find thousands of titles. Let’s make your creative dreams come true!

Sign up for our newsletter with notices of sales, workshops, blogs & special events at bizbooks.net

GVPTA is a non-profit charitable organization whose membership includes theatre companies, theatre makers and artists, and other organizations and individuals that support theatre. We provide services, promotion of member news and community events, opportunities to connect and network, and hold an annual theatre conference. 

Show Listings Here!

First Saturday Open Studios

First Saturday is a public monthly artist-run open-studio event in Vancouver, North Vancouver, New Westminster, Victoria & the Gulf Islands. Each month a new artist opens their doors to the public to share their work & chat…

Website & details here!

For Reviews of local & international performances & arts events, Colin Thomas [award winning playwright, Theatre Reviewer & Critic for almost four decades] offers thoughtful & insightful gems to consider in the world of theatre & art. Highly recommend!

Fresh Sheet Subscribe!

 

Short Play Challenge Winners!

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Come see the winners of the Short Play Challenge!

Come see the winners of the Short Play Challenge!

 

Yup, it’s that time. The Cold Reading Series is pleased to (finally!) announce the winners of the Short Play Challenge.

These seven writers will have their plays produced in 6 weeks. Yes, that’s right. We’re bringing four plays to life in the next six weeks, and you get to come see them. So mark it down on your calendar if you haven’t already. 

The winners of the short play challenge are:

High School Diplomacy by Cookie Boyle

Out & About by Mairy Beam, Dick O'Connor, Neila Lem, Michel Crete

Kidnappees by Annahis Basmadjian

Legless by Colette Nichol

Thank you for coming out to the shows and voting. Thank you for submitting your scripts. Thank you for supporting local creativity.

Without the support of the actors, writers, and audience members who came out and watched, clapped, laughed, cried, and voted, this wouldn’t be happening. 

We’re very excited to be bringing you three World Premiere’s and one West Coast Premiere this coming May at Studio 16.

Dates: May 9th, 10th, 11th @ 8 pm

Tickets go on sale on April 9th, so watch for that link. 

Collaboration with UBC's Top Screenwriters

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There can be a lot of waiting when you're an actor. Waiting for your agent to call. Waiting to land the perfect role. Waiting to meet the right people.
If you're tired of waiting, and you're craving a community of like-minded artists, actors, writers, filmmakers and directors who want to make their own work, come down to the Cold Reading Series' next event. 
The Cold Reading Series' next event: a collaboration between UBC's top screenwriters and the CRS.
Meet the four writers who are coming from all across North America to share their scripts with you. Part of the UBC Creative Writing Program, these early career writers are looking to hone their material and test it on a live audience. And we need you to bring their characters to life!

What's On?
Bees Are Dying by Michael Glasbourg
edu.Kate (pilot) by Peter Lockyer
Like a Thief in the Night by Kyle D'Odorico
Peace and the Good by Merril-Ann S. Phare

Stop waiting for your phone to ring.
Come out and cold read.
Sit back and enjoy the show.
Meet like minded artists who want to make their own work and take their art into their own hands.
 
January 30th at The Backstage Lounge on Granville Island
Casting at 6:30 pm Show at 8:00 pm
We look forward to seeing you there!

P.S. If you've been wondering who won the Screenwriting Prize...you'll find out soon!  Winners will be announced at the January Episode. 
P.P.S. The last scripts of the Short Play Challenge will be going up in Feb, so keep your eye out for that. 

Dramaturgy for the Short Play Challenge

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JUST ANOTHER REASON TO SUBMIT to the SHORT PLAY CHALLENGE:

If having your short play mounted by the CRS weren't reason enough to submit to the CRS this year, all winning playwrights will receive dramaturgical support from long-time story editor, dramaturg, director, teacher, actor, and CRS host LORI TRIOLO.

Lori's work as an artist, actor, mentor and coach led her to becoming involved in theatre and film as a director and producer. She has directed numerous plays ranging from student to professional to solo show productions. Lori most recently acted as producer and casting director for the Canadian independent feature film Lost Solace directed by Chris Scheuerman - a project which is now on the festival circuit.

With over 15 years as a dramaturge and story editor for countless projects, your work will be in good hands.

SUBMIT YOUR SCRIPT

Story Editors Announced!

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The CRS is excited to announce the two story editors who have generously donated their time to the Cold Reading Series as part of the Screenwriter's Prize this year.

JUST CONFIRMED: two of Canada's top Story Editors have donated their time to the CRS Screenwriter's Prize this year. Two lucky writers will receive a story editing session with one of two industry veterans: LINDA COFFEY or DENNIS HEATON.

Submissions are open until November 1st, and all general submissions to the CRS of finished feature scripts and short scripts will be eligible to win.

LINDA COFFEY, STORY EDITOR & GUEST MENTOR, WIDC

Linda Coffey is one of the very few story editors in Canada to have worked successfully in every aspect of both film and television development and production. She has story edited and consulted on hundreds of hours of television and feature film projects and has been a Guest Mentor with Women In The Director's Chair since 2006.

DENNIS HEATON, SCREENWRITER & SHOW RUNNER

Dennis Heaton is a multiple award-winning screenwriter, show runner and executive producer. Currently executive producer and show runner for CTV’s “Motive,” he’s also worked on “Call Me Fitz” for HBO, CTV’s “The Listener”, and Lifetime’s “Blood Ties”. In 2015 he won two Leo Awards - one for his work on “Motive” and the other for “Are you Gonna Eat That?”

Submit Your Script

Short Play Challenge & Screenwriter's Prize

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The CRS is excited to be offering two new development opportunities to storytellers in Vancouver.

The Short Play Challenge is a chance for both emerging and established writers to experiment with a short play format and have their works produced on stage by The Cold Reading Series as part of the 2017 Short Theatre Festival.

 
Short Play Challenge Vancouver
 

 

Any original unproduced play of 20 pages or less may be submitted throughout the season. Semifinalists will be decided by the CRS team, and the final winners will be voted on by the audience.

Open to playwrights in the Lower Mainland who can attend a live cold reading of their play this year, the Short Play Challenge has been created to provide opportunities for development to local storytellers and to strengthen the creative community.

Playwrights are welcome to submit more than one play. Each submission is $5.00 and can be submitted via the General Submission Page. 

Keep in mind that since the CRS audience will be voting in the final winners over the 2016 season, there is a clear advantage in submitting your play earlier rather than later. This will give the audience more opportunities to vote for your entry.

Votes cost $1.00 per vote, and audience members can vote as many times as they like. Playwrights can vote as well, just not for their own play. All voting must be done in person at the CRS.

Once voting commences, a leader board with the rankings will be on the Cold Reading Series Facebook page, so you can follow along as the challenge progresses.

Voting will come to a close in November at the last episode of the year.

Winners will be announced on November 15th. The last day to submit for the Short Play Challenge is November 1st at midnight PST.

For full details please go HERE >>