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Works-in-Progress Application

VIFF Works-in-Progress (WIP) is a competitive, curated showcase for feature-length projects in late-stage development. The initiative aims to support filmmakers in completing their films and positioning them for successful festival premieres, distribution, and international circulation.

Each selected project will participate in a formal presentation session, including a pitch and screening of a rough-cut sequence, followed by feedback and discussion with invited industry experts.

Eligibility & Requirements

General Requirements

  • Projects must be feature-length (minimum 60 minutes)
  • Open to fiction, non-fiction, and animation
  • Projects must be in editing or post-production stage
  • Projects should be near completion (expected to be ready within the coming year)

Please note: Journalistic or purely informational audiovisual reports will not be considered as non-fiction projects. Short films and episodic series are not eligible

 

Program Format

Selected participants will benefit from:

  • A public industry presentation, including:
    • Pitch presentation
    • Screening of a rough-cut excerpt (10 minutes)
  • Feedback session with international experts
  • Access to networking and one-on-one meetings

Submission Requirements

  • Fully completed Online Submission
  • A secure viewing link (with password) to the rough cut or assembly
  • Project information, including synopsis (short and long), director’s statement, producer’s statement, technical details
  • Current stage of production and estimated completion date
  • Information on financing status and outstanding needs
  • Visual materials (stills, optional trailer/teaser)

 

Participation Requirements

Selected participants agree to:

  • Confirm participation within the stated deadline
  • Attend the WIP in person in Vancouver
  • Be available for all scheduled meetings and activities
  • Provide all requested promotional materials for publication in the WIP catalogue and website
  • Conduct meetings and materials in English

Selection Process

Up to 8 projects will be selected by VIFF based on artistic quality and originality, stage of completion, and international potential.

Selected participants will receive:

  • An official invitation to the WIP
  • A customized schedule of industry meetings
  • A festival pass to access Artist and Industry sessions and networking events

Questions?

Contact us at [email protected]

If you require accessibility accommodations for filling out this application form, please contact the Institute team at [email protected] or call (604) 683-3456.

Key Dates

  • Jul 13, 12:00 pm PT: Works-in-Progress applications close
  • Mid-August: Works-in-Progress participants notified
  • Oct 5-6: Works-in-Progress dates

Apply Now

We strongly encourage you to formulate your responses in a separate document as you will not be able to save your work here or edit it once submitted.