What Does Sanctuary Mean to You? Your Story Could Be on the Big Screen

Vancouver Pride Society is teaming up with Voices With Impact to bring an exciting opportunity to our 2SLGBTQI+ community.

For 2027, Voices With Impact is awarding ten filmmaking teams $7,500 USD each to create original five-minute films exploring mental health through this year’s theme: Sanctuary.

A Story Only You Can Tell

Sanctuary can be a place, a person, a memory, a practice or a community. It can be something that gives us joy and belonging, keeps us grounded or makes us feel safe.

For our community, that could mean finding your people, creating queer spaces, standing up for our rights, finding joy through difficult times or finally having somewhere you can completely be yourself.

And how you tell that story is up to you. Comedy, horror, documentary, animation, drama and experimental films are all welcome, as long as the story explores mental health.

Personal, political, joyful, weird or a little bit of everything. Make it yours.

You Don’t Have to Be an Established Filmmaker

This opportunity is open to filmmakers at different stages of their careers, including people applying for their first film grant. Six of last year’s ten grantees had never received one before.

Have a great story but aren’t a filmmaker at all? There may still be a way to get involved.

Voices With Impact encourages storytellers and organizations to team up with filmmakers to develop an application together, and they can help provide filmmaker referrals for potential collaborations.

What Happens If You’re Selected?

Each selected team receives $7,500 USD, plus story consultation and mentorship throughout the filmmaking process.

The finished films will have their world premiere at the VIFF Centre in Vancouver in June 2027 and will continue reaching audiences through mental health education programming across North America.

Interested? Let’s Get You Started.

Vancouver Pride Society and Voices With Impact are planning a virtual information session specifically for our community.

You’ll be able to meet the Voices With Impact team, learn about the grant and application process, and ask questions about your idea.

Applications close September 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. PT.

Want to learn more or join the information session? Fill out the form below and we’ll provide you with more details.