The Sundar Prize Film Festival is a project of the Sher Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society (Sher Pride).
REQUIRED SUBMISSION MATERIALS AND OFFICIAL RULES
Entry Fee
Entry fees are not refundable.
Multiple Entries
Multiple entries are permitted in all categories as long as the film has been released after May 1, 2026.
Cash Prizes
Cash prizes are issued in Canadian currency only. Payment is made via email transfer or PayPal in Canada, and via PayPal, Western Union, or bank transfer only outside of Canada. Neither Sher Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society (“Sher Pride”) nor its affiliates are responsible for any government taxes or withholdings related to the allocation of prize money; such responsibility is solely that of the prize winner. The funds will be transferred within 45 days after the festival.
Cash prizes are for directors. If there are multiple directors then the cash prizes are equally split amongst them.
For films with distributors, we will offer payment on a case-by-case basis.
Decisions made by the jury are final and are not open to arbitration.
Films
All films must be uploaded to FilmFreeway. Filmmakers with official selections must provide download access of their film on FilmFreeway. A download link to the film can also be emailed to media@sundarprize.com.
Subtitles
All films must have burned-in English subtitles.
Artificial Intelligence
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your film has to be disclosed and in what capacity it has been used. A percentage estimate of the amount of AI in your film must also be provided.
Film Assets for Official Selections
The official trailer (downloadable file), official poster, synopsis, and producer and director bio and photo, as well as 3 photo stills must be emailed to media@sundarprize.com for marketing and promotion purposes.
Social Media and Website
Please also send your film’s social media handles for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn URL as well as the film’s official website by emailing media@sundarprize.com.
Student Films
The film must have been directed by a filmmaker who was an enrolled student at the time the film was completed. The filmmaker may have been enrolled in any discipline or program. The filmmaker does not have to be a student at the time of submission. Open to filmmakers worldwide.
Youth Films (19 and Under)
The film must have been directed by a filmmaker who was 19 years old or younger at the time the film was completed. Open to filmmakers worldwide.
BC Student Film Showcase
The film must have been directed by a filmmaker who was a resident of British Columbia at the time the film was completed. The filmmaker must have completed the film while enrolled at a British Columbia educational institution. The filmmaker does not have to be a student at the time of submission. The filmmaker may have been enrolled in any discipline or program.
Copyright
All entrants must ensure that appropriate clearances for copyright and personal rights required for public exhibition, marketing, and promotion of the official trailer and submitted film have been obtained. Failure to do so may result in the entry being disqualified. Upon selection, the entrant grants the Sher Pride, and its sponsors, supporters, community partners, and festival partners, the right to utilize publicity materials related to the film (i.e., press kits, posters, filmmaker profiles, stills, trailers, preview tapes, and to edit festival trailers, etc.) for promotional purposes in all mediums, including broadcast, print, and internet. By submitting a film, you indemnify Sher Pride and its affiliates, directors, officers, sponsors, community partners, festival partners, and other related persons from any and all liability resulting from your failure to comply with this section or any other such breach of the rights of a third party. Furthermore, by submitting to the Sundar Prize Film Festival you release Sher Pride from all risk and liability in the event of theft or breach of copyright of your materials while on Festival premises. The official trailer and clips from the film may be used in media interviews and other marketing and promotion of Sher Pride, the festival, sponsors, and community partners. The selected films will be screened before a live audience or online.
The film has been submitted for consideration with the knowledge and consent of the Producer(s) and/or rights holders listed in the submission.
Participation in the Sundar Prize Film Festival implies an understanding and acceptance of these regulations.
Sher Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society (Sher Pride) reserves the right to change or modify these rules and regulations at any time without prior notice.