Vancouver Short Film Festival 2025: Discover 5 Standout Shorts
A Celebration of Canadian Creativity
Ready for a weekend of fresh stories and bold visions? The 15th annual Vancouver Short Film Festival is back, running June 13-15 at SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts and online via Eventive. With 47 short films from across Canada, the festival is a treasure trove of documentaries, animation, experimental student works, genre twists, comedies, and horror—all packed into six themed blocks. Whether you’re a film buff or just looking for something new, there’s plenty to love1.
More Than Just Movies: Events and Experiences
Beyond the films, the festival offers a full slate of events. An opening night gala brings food trucks, live music, and even a caricature artist to the mix. Filmmaker workshops cover pitching and self-presentation, while the closing awards presentation and party cap off the weekend. Tickets start at $20 for a single entry or $100 for a pass ($60 for students), so it’s easy to dive in.
Five Films You Won’t Want to Miss
Here are five standout shorts that deserve a spot on your must-watch list:
Clementine
This Toronto-made comedy-drama follows a woman who gets the wake-up call she needs—thanks to a shocking discovery. Allie Dunbar shines as Clementine, with a deadpan style and a charming guardian angel played by Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll. Witty, heartfelt, and pitch-perfect.Queen of the Underworld
Part of the After Dark block, this Vancouver horror-drama stars Morgan Taylor Campbell as a woman grappling with grief and addiction. Writer-director Stephanie Iszak crafts a dark, emotional tale that’s already earned two Leo nominations.Or Forever Hold Your Peace
Toronto’s Tope Babalola delivers a sleek, 20-minute comedy-drama about Gen-Zers navigating love and life. Kalissa Persaud stands out as a maid of honour determined to keep the wedding on track—no matter what. With crisp cinematography and sharp humor, this one’s a winner.Lost Media
Vancouver’s Rebeca Spiegel brings a unique stop-motion meditation on memory and nostalgia to the animated shorts block. “Lost Media” is a five-minute gem that reflects on discarded media and 20-something ennui, with a nod to Laika the Soviet space dog.Serious Buyers Only
Toronto writer-director Samuel Larson offers a quirky comedy-drama about a young couple, a pharmaceutical family, and a fight over an empty lot. While the message might be up for debate, the strong performances and comic timing make this short a joy to watch.
Why You Should Go
The Vancouver Short Film Festival is a chance to see the future of Canadian filmmaking—right now. With a mix of genres, styles, and voices, it’s a celebration of creativity and community. So grab your tickets, gather your friends, and get ready for a weekend of unforgettable stories.
