Calling Emerging Storytellers who are 16+!
Submit your film treatment or project outline to bring compelling social justice concepts to life – showcasing creativity, purpose, and impact. For more information on content requirements and how to submit, keep scrolling down this page!
Please note this contest is only for BC Residents.
Prizes:
Filmmaker Mentorship
First Prize: $300
Second Prize: $200
Third Prize: $100
Info Session: September 29, 2025 at BC Culture Days (Register Below)
Deadline: October 28, 2025
Winners Announced: November 10, 2025
Winners of the 2025 BC Youth Storytelling Contest
Grand Prize Winner
Kexin (Coco) Chen, “Facade”
Vancouver, BC, 18 years old
A society where people wear masks to survive, to perform, and to achieve. But when the mask becomes a burden, the cost is losing oneself. Told through the lens of animation, this story stood out for its universal message and creative potential.
Second Prize Winner
Jane Ifunanya Diokpo, “Crash and Deliver”
Burnaby, BC, 23 years old
A burned-out motivational speaker accidentally becomes the leader of a movement he never intended to start, colliding with two gig workers whose chaotic love story reshapes his journey. The narrative impressed the jury with its originality, depth, and fresh voice in the dark comedy and romance genres.
Third Prize Winner
Wendy Shenglin Zhang, “The Name I Choose” Vancouver, BC, 16 years old A Chinese-Canadian girl reinvents herself at a new school, only to face ridicule over her cultural lunch. Forced to confront identity and belonging, she must choose whether to blend in or stand proudly in who she is. The story addresses a familiar challenge in multicultural school settings with heart and courage.
The grand prize winner received a $300 award and a mentorship with a local filmmaker. The second prize winner received $200, and the third prize winner received $100. All three winners will be offered mentorship opportunities and will be honoured during the Sundar Prize Film Festival Awards Ceremony in April 2026.
“The talent and vision shown by these young creators reaffirm why we launched the Luminaries Program,” said Sundar Prize Co-Founder and Sher Pride Founder Amar Sangha. “When youth have the chance to be seen, supported, and celebrated, they rise in remarkable ways. Their stories remind us of the power of courage, imagination, and lived experience in shaping the future of film and storytelling.”
Get Feedback for your Storyteller's Contest Draft at the BC Culture Days Info Session
Bring your draft to the BC Culture Days Info Session for a free storytelling workshop on Monday, September 29, 2025 to receive feedback from a film professional and learn about other opportunities! We would love to have you drop in and hear your story idea! This is a great way to practice pitching your scripts for funding your dream film projects!
The team will be available on Monday, September 29, 2025 during the BC Culture Days Info Session to review drafts, provide feedback and share snacks and beverages with you! There will also be some really interesting door prizes at the event!
BC Culture Days Storytelling Contest Info Session
Monday, September 29, 2025
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
North Delta Centre for the Arts
11425 84 Avenue
Delta, BC
BC Culture Days Free Registration
Click the link below and click the blue box under the section “Date and Time.” Once you click this, you will prompted to add your Name, Email, and Party Size (how many people will be attending)
View the screenshot under the “Register” button below to learn more.
Content Requirements
- Anonymous Submission: Do not include your name, email, or address on the script. The title page should contain only the project title.
- Document Length: Maximum 2 pages
- Format: PDF, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs
- Must be an original concept (no adaptations unless you own the rights)
Include the following:
- Project Title
- Log Line: A short genre-based summary (40 words or less)
- Genre, Format, Length, Language, and Target Audience (e.g., Short Documentary / 10 minutes / English / ages 14+, educational/festival circuit)
- Synopsis or Treatment: Introduction of characters, subjects, setting, and location
- Story arc, key moments, and emotional turning points
- Resolution, conclusion, or call to action
- Style and creative vision (e.g., camera techniques, tone, music, sound design)
- Optional: up to 3 images
- Please put “Storytellers Contest Submission – YOUR NAME” as the email subject
Multiple Entries: Allowed, but each must be submitted separately
To submit, email your project to volunteer@sundarprize.com by the contest deadline, October 28, 2025.
Contest winners will be announced on November 10, 2025!