Dates & Deadlines
About festival
Shift Festival is a queer, feminist, and POC-focused film festival in Ottawa celebrating bold stories from underrepresented voices. Over two days, we showcase short films, features, panels, and community workshops that center Black, Indigenous, and queer experiences, highlighting joy, resilience, and creativity.
Festival Amenities
Filmmaker pass
SHIFT
12 perks included
Amenities
Filmmaker Lounge
Dedicated lounge space
Green Room
Private backstage area
Swag Bags
Gift bags
Events
Filmmaker Events
Filmmakers networking events
Q&A Sessions
Audience interaction
Industry Panels
Panel discussions
Access
All Access Badges
Full festival access
Complimentary Tickets
Free guest passes
Priority Seating
Reserved seating
Marketing
Professional Headshots
Photography session
Social Media Spotlight
Online promotion
Festival Catalog
Program listing
Accepted Content
Submission Categories
FeatureCloses within 7 days or closed
Short filmCloses within 7 days or closed
DocumentaryCloses within 7 days or closed
Tv seriesCloses within 7 days or closed
Contact
Festival Rules
Eligible Film Categories:
SHIFT Film Festival accepts the following formats:
- Short Films (fiction, documentary, experimental, animation)
- Mid-length Films
- Feature Films
- Essay films and hybrid works
All genres are welcome, provided the work aligns with the festival’s themes and values.
Runtime Requirements:
Short Films: up to 30 minutes
Mid-length Films: 31–59 minutes
Feature Films: 60 minutes and over
There is no minimum runtime.
Themes & Artistic Focus:
SHIFT prioritizes films that explore:
-Gender, sexuality, and body autonomy -Pleasure, intimacy, and desire -Feminist, queer, trans, and non-binary perspectives -Black, Indigenous, and racialized experiences -Political, social, and experimental approaches to storytelling
Films that challenge dominant narratives, reclaim marginalized bodies, or experiment with form are especially encouraged.
Premiere Status:
Canadian premiere is not required. Films may have screened at other festivals. Online premieres are accepted. SHIFT values access and circulation over exclusivity.
Distribution & Rights:
-Filmmakers retain all rights to their work. -By submitting, filmmakers grant SHIFT Film Festival the right to: Screen the film during the festival dates Use excerpts, stills, and trailers for promotional purposes -SHIFT does not claim any distribution rights. -SHIFT does not require exclusivity.
Language & Subtitles:
Films in any language are accepted. English or French subtitles are required for all non-English/French dialogue. Subtitles must be provided by the filmmaker if selected.
Format & Exhibition:
Preferred screening format: Digital file Online screening links may be requested for preview purposes. Exhibition format and delivery specifications will be shared upon selection.
Notification & Screening:
Selected filmmakers will be notified via email. Screening dates and times are determined by the festival. Filmmakers are encouraged but not required to attend.
Code of Ethics:
SHIFT Film Festival reserves the right to refuse films that: -Promote hate, discrimination, or violence -Exploit trauma without critical or ethical context -Reproduce harmful stereotypes or oppressive narratives
Agreement of Use:
Selected films agree to allow SHIFT Film Festival to use screenshots, clips, trailers, posters, and other promotional materials to promote the film and the festival across all media platforms. Filmmakers and invited guests agree to allow the festival to use their likeness in any photo, video, or audio recordings captured during the event for promotional and archival purposes. Filmmakers grant SHIFT Film Festival a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to screen their film as part of official festival exhibitions, including in-person and related community screenings, for a duration of one (1) year from the initial screening date. All rights remain with the filmmaker.
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