Gender Equity in Media Festival
The 20th annual international Gender Equity in Media film festival took place
March 5-9, 2025.
GEMS Vancouver’s signature event, GEMFest, is the only film festival dedicated to women and gender-diverse people in Western Canada, and one of just three international film festivals for women and gender-diverse people in Canada.
Now in its 20th year, GEMFest continues to provide a platform for challenging gender inequity and the lack of diversity in the screen-based media industry through a combination of film screenings, discussions, professional development and networking opportunities.
Photo Gallery password: gem20
Program
A First Farewell
Set in an Uyghur village in northwestern China, A First Farewell is an award winning film told through the eyes of a young boy. The depth and delight of his relationships to friends and family are movingly captured, as is their slow and unstoppable unravelling as the people chase ‘a better future’. An important film told by a filmmaker raised in the area.
Black Conflux
The lives of a promising, disillusioned, teen and a self-loathing outcast are intertwined in this well-crafted, haunting, film. Set in suburban Newfoundland in 1987, the story explores growing up isolated in a world of toxic masculinity. Compelling performances deliver the story. Selected as one of TIFF’s Top Ten for the year.
Shorts Program: Hatch
Wamin (The Apple)
Wamin, means apple in Atikamekw, and is used to insult those who leave their communities to go and live in the city: red on the outside, but white on the inside. A young Atikamekw woman demonstrates how she feels about this insult.
Throat Singing in Kangirsuk (Katatjatuuk Kangirsumi)
Eva Kaukai and Manon Chamberland practice the Inuk art of throat singing in their small village of Kangirsuk. Their mesmerizing voices carry through the four seasons of their Arctic land.
Shorts Program: Lift
Shorts Program: Rise
Shorts Program: Leap
Shorts Program: Flutter
Shorts Program: Soar
Special Presentation + Panel
Firecracker Film Fest
Friday, March 7 at 10:30AM
GEMS has partnered with Firecracker Department to host the first Firecracker Film Fest at GEMFest. The two organizations’ aligned values made this celebration of comedy a no-brainer. In this snappy 90 minute affair, 9 shorts crafted by women and gender-diverse folks from Firecracker West; Vancouver, Kelowna and Calgary will be screened, and some filmmakers will be in attendance. Firecracker Department is an international community of artistic women and non-binary folk empowering each other to take creative action through education and positive support.
Event sponsored by UBCP/ACTRA
BIPOC Networking Night
Friday, March 7th at 8PM
An event dedicated to connecting BIPOC creatives and industry professionals. Keynote Speaker Ella Cooper from Black Women Film will be in attendance, and this event takes place on Friday, March 7th at 8PM. This event is free of charge.
Expectations vs. Reality: Strategic Moves to Build Your Film Career
Friday March 7 at 5PM
Facilitated by Ghazal Elhaei (Chair of the Board GEMS, Capital G Media), this event is a 2 hour workshop on Friday March 7 at 5PM, designed to equip filmmakers and creatives with the strategic tools needed to navigate the business side of the industry. Beyond talent, success requires a strong personal brand, smart networking, and a clear approach to positioning projects. Attendees will learn how to assess their current standing, build key industry relationships, and craft materials that open doors—whether they’re just starting out or looking to level up. This event is free of charge.
Awards Ceremony
Saturday, March 8 at 2:30 PM
The GEMFest Awards Ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 8 at 2:30 PM at VIFF Center. The awards honour luminaries in the film and television industry, recognizing individuals who have made a significant contribution to advancing equity and creative excellence. This event is free of charge.
GEMS Showcase
Sunday, March 9, at 3:00 PM
The very first GEMS Showcase will take place at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 9, and selected GEMS Talent Lab alumni will pitch their projects to a panel of industry professionals, followed by an awards ceremony celebrating this year’s standout contributions to the festival. The Presenting Sponsor for this event is Sunbelt Rentals Film & TV. This event is free of charge.
BC Director’s Panel
Thursday, March 6 at 6:30 PM
Join BC directors for an in-depth conversation on craft and creative process. Panelists include Carolyn Irwin (The Wish Baker, 2024), Thea Loo (Inay, 2024), Lori Watt (Henderson, 2024), Jaime Leigh Gianopoulos (Ask the Plantain, 2023), and Olivia Marie Golosky (pîķîwî, 2024). Moderated by Carol Whiteman from Women In the Director’s Chair (WIDC). Presented in partnership with WIDC and DGC BC.
Ethical Production Panel
Friday, March 7 at 6:30 PM
Industry experts discuss the importance of ethical practices in film production, from fair representation to sustainable practices. Panelists include sustainability consultant Smiely Khurana (The Sustainable Act), filmmaker Jules A. Koostachin (NiiMisSak: Sisters In Film), intimacy coordinator Aryn Mott (Vancity IC), Natasha Tony (Chief Executive Officer, Elevate Inclusion) and filmmaker Shannon Walsh (Adrianne and the Castle). Moderated by Anaïsa Visser (Executive Director of GEMS) and presented in partnership with CMPA.
Advocacy Panel
Saturday, March 8 at 10:30 AM
A panel on advocacy in film, showcasing organizations whose work drives social change and funders who are working to better their approaches to equitable access. Panelists include Tanvi Bhatia (Outreach and Strategy Lead, Women in View), Kadon Douglas (EDI and Strategic Communications Specialist), Prem Gill (Chief Executive Officer, Creative BC), Meghna Haldar (Content Analyst, Telefilm), Joy Loewen (Vice President of Growth & Inclusion, CMF) and Alethea Bakogeorge (Director of Programs and Development, DSO).
Moderated by Natasha Tony (Chief Executive Officer, Elevate Inclusion).
Presented in partnership with Elevate Inclusion Strategies.
Casting Director Panel
Saturday March 8, at 12:30 PM
Insights from casting directors Corinne Clark and Jennifer Page (Clark & Page Casting) along with Kris Woznesensky and Kara Eide (Kris & Kara Casting) on the evolving landscape of casting and representation. Moderated by celebrated local actress Johannah Newmarch (When Calls The Heart) and presented in partnership by UBCP/ACTRA.
Screenplay Panel
Sunday March 9, 10:30 AM
Select finalists from this year’s screenplay competition will discuss their work and the power of storytelling in a conversation moderated by filmmaker Andy Alvarez (Curl Power). This year’s finalists are: Corina Bizim & Maddy Hillis, Brenna Goodwin-McCabe, Mykayla Filipovic, dre larivée, Jasleen Kaur, MK Morris and Tessa Parker.
Pitch Forum
Sunday, March 9 at 12:00PM
The GEMFest Pitch Forum starts at 12PM on Sunday, March 9, which serves as a dedicated platform for filmmakers to present their projects to production companies, broadcasters, and distributors within the industry. The event is by registration – registrants will be paired with their desired pitch recipient for a one on one 10 minute pitch.
Designed to empower and propel Canadian talent, this event offers a distinctive space for project development, networking, and exposure to influential figures in the film and television industry. Filmmakers are encouraged to research and tailor their pitches to the company they are targeting.
Ashley Glover, Studio BRB
Originally from New Zealand, Ashley Glover has 14 years experience in the industry and has worked in BC film for the last 9 years. As BRB’s expert in production, Ashley oversees physical production from development through to delivery and simultaneously spearheads the management of internal workflows and operations at Studio BRB. For scripted, Studio BRB is always looking for Hallmark friendly content to develop and pitch. We love our MOWs! Anything Christmas, magical romance and cozy mystery. We’re really leaning towards internationally set productions in beautiful places like Scotland, Ireland, Iceland etc. Series and feature length films for streamers in the thriller, crime, mystery, drama and comedy genres as well.
On the unscripted side, we’re really looking for a mix of content—from talent-driven docu-series to fun, ambitious formats, as well as documentary series and one-offs. At the moment, we’re especially focused on True Crime, including both formatted series and standalone docs. We’re gearing up to announce a big Studio BRB unscripted pitch competition in the coming weeks. We’ll be inviting producers from across the country and internationally to submit their ideas for a chance to develop and pitch to networks with us!
Carol Whiteman, WIDC
Dr. Carol Whiteman has been recognized by two Governor General’s award nominations, the Leo Award for Outstanding Achievement (2024), and multiple other awards for promoting gender equity and inclusion in Canada’s screen industry. With a passion for creating space for authentic voice she has advanced a generation of screen writers and directors across Canada and internationally. An executive producer on thirteen award-winning feature films, including Monica’s News (2024), With Love and a Major Organ (2023), and Marie Clements’ Red Snow (2019), Whiteman also serves on a variety of industry committees including as co-chair of Screen BC’s MPIO Task Force.
Request a meeting if you are a woman or non-binary storyteller or an industry stakeholder interested in discussing WIDC programs, mentorship, development, production of narrative fiction or collaboration opportunities, or if you would just like to practice your pitch and discuss next steps.
David Strasser, Director/Executive Producer (Hallmark)
David Strasser is an award-winning film & television director and executive producer based in Vancouver, Canada. Known for his work on Hallmark and Lifetime, his projects span holiday, romance, mystery, and thriller genres. Recent highlights include The Wish Swap (2025), Nelly Knows Mysteries (2024). An alumnus of the TIFF Filmmaker Lab and Berlinale’s JETS Talent Lab, David’s work has earned accolades, including Canadian Screen and Leo Award nominations. With a Film Production degree from Vancouver Film School and a Juris Doctorate from UBC, he has also contributed to script development for numerous acclaimed television features.
David is seeking pitches for television features in the rom-com, holiday, and thriller genres, with a strong emphasis on unique and clever hooks that stand out while remaining grounded in the conventions of their genre. Stories should captivate with fresh concepts that instantly spark curiosity and feel both relatable and engaging for audiences.
David Strasser, Director/Executive Producer (Hallmark)
David Strasser is an award-winning film & television director and executive producer based in Vancouver, Canada. Known for his work on Hallmark and Lifetime, his projects span holiday, romance, mystery, and thriller genres. Recent highlights include The Wish Swap (2025), Nelly Knows Mysteries (2024). An alumnus of the TIFF Filmmaker Lab and Berlinale’s JETS Talent Lab, David’s work has earned accolades, including Canadian Screen and Leo Award nominations. With a Film Production degree from Vancouver Film School and a Juris Doctorate from UBC, he has also contributed to script development for numerous acclaimed television features.
David is seeking pitches for television features in the rom-com, holiday, and thriller genres, with a strong emphasis on unique and clever hooks that stand out while remaining grounded in the conventions of their genre. Stories should captivate with fresh concepts that instantly spark curiosity and feel both relatable and engaging for audiences.
Dylan Playfair, Crystal Mountain Films
Dylan Playfair owns and operates Crystal Mountain Films alongside his wife Jen Araki Playfair. Their films have appeared in Cannes Indie Shorts Awards, and New York Film Festival to name a few. Crystal Mountain Films recently began production on the feature film Breeder alongside Rabbits Black (Longlegs).
Crystal Mountain Films is searching for contained horrors, thrillers and low to mid budget buddy comedies.
Geoff Manton, Boldly
Geoff is a co-founder and Executive Producer of Boldly. He has worked closely with his partners to spearhead a Values-based producing model that has influenced countless commercial productions over the last decade. He has also woven this model into original projects and documentaries produced for Telus Originals and the CBC, along with multiple short films that have earned premieres at TIFF, SXSW and Slamdance. Geoff is currently developing a long-form documentary about climate change and vulnerable masculinity. True to his community values, Geoff founded Filmable, a non-profit community-building initiative, which has created new opportunities to meaningfully connect independent filmmakers and strengthen the Vancouver independent filmmaking industry.
Boldly is interested in daring projects that challenge the status quo, make us sit with discomfort and shift our perspective; insightful commentary on society with strong aesthetic appeal; documentary, series and narrative features.
Martin Calvo, Studio 104 Entertainment
Martin Calvo is a Canadian-Argentine Producer & Director currently based in Vancouver, BC. In 2019 he co-founded the indie production company Studio 104 Entertainment which focuses on bringing unique and original ideas to the screen while prioritizing inclusivity in all aspects of collaboration. Martin’s goal is to continue to enhance his craft and uplift under-represented voices by working alongside other artists in the indie film scene through writing, co-writing, story editing, and producing. In 2022 he co-produced a Telus Original documentary Overtime, visited TIFF with the DGC short film N’xaxaitkw which he was an associate producer on, and more recently in November 2024 he produced a ISO funded short film titled LUCIEN. Martin has returned to his documentary directing roots with his ongoing project No More Wet Feet, which started production in late 2022 and was part of The National Film Board’s Filmmakers Assistance Program in 2023.
Martin is looking for feature films with a clear point of view, largely in the genre and thriller space for the time being.
Natasha Howes, Telefilm
Natasha Howes is Telefilm’s recently appointed Regional Feature Film Executive for Western Canada. She is a seasoned entertainment executive and entrepreneur with over 20 years experience as an independent developer, producer and marketer of international films. Natasha founded MATRIARCH Entertainment, a North American film finance and production company mandated to acquire and develop a slate of scripted and factual TV and film content which amplifies the female voice. She has produced and co-produced award-winning films in the US, Canada, the UK and Europe including features, shorts and documentary titles: FATIMA (2020), Late Harvest (2016), Cosmic Origins 3D (2011) and The 13th Day (2009).
Natasha is seeking feature length films built for theatrical release with original authentic storytelling and a bold creative vision.
Rachel Knapp, Lark Productions
Rachel Knapp is a development associate at Vancouver-based Lark Productions. With a decade of production experience in both Canada and the U.S., she joined Lark in 2021 and works across both scripted and unscripted development projects, helping take them from pitch to screen. Rachel is looking for 1-hour episodic or serialized dramas – with emphasis on procedurals, grounded genre or romance space. Lark is not necessarily looking for 30-minute comedies but always happy to take those pitches.
Lark is not looking for anything in the young adult or kids space. Rachel also works in the unscripted department, so she’s happy to hear anything on the reality/factual side!
Ronny Kurland, Reckless Pictures
Ronny Kurland is a graduate from Capilano University with a bachelor’s degree of Motion Picture Arts. Since a young age she has always been intrigued by the film industry, driving her to produce and develop her own films. In university, Ronny opened her own film company Octopi Media which produced commercials, documentaries, corporate videos, and independent films. Ronny first joined Timeless Pictures in 2021 and worked her way up from an Executive Producer’s Assistant to Co-Executive Producer. Ronny has produced over 35 TV-movies, shot all over the world, and has helped set up series with networks such Hallmark, NBCU and Amazon.
Now as Reckless Pictures’ Creative Executive (Development & Production), Ronny oversees an extensive development slate which includes high concept series in all genres, TV movies, and feature films.
Zac Hoffman, The Grove Films
Zac Hoffman is a producer at The Grove Films. After wrapping up a career on the Canadian National Ski Team, Zac shifted his focus to filmmaking, striving to tell authentic and honest stories in the world of sport. His producing work spans numerous documentaries for Telus Originals, Arc’teryx and more, all known for their thoughtful portrayal of the human experience through the lens of sport. Amongst these documentaries Zac has directed numerous episodes of outdoor sport travel show Ascend TV on Apple TV, CBC Gem, Outside, Roku and more.
Zac is looking for feature length and short documentaries in production and development with a focus on sports & the outdoors, focusing on human stories of challenge and adversity with topics of gender, mental health, identity and societal barriers; and other projects in early stage development with similar themes across a wider range of genres and formats (Series, Narrative fiction, etc.).
GEMS proudly presents a range of awards that champion established and emerging women and Two-Spirit, trans and nonbinary filmmakers from around the world. Below are the winners of 2025.
Screenplay Competition
Screenplay Competition: Best Feature
Poisonous by Jasleen Kaur
Presented by Rephrase Filmworks
Screenplay Competition: Best TV Pilot
Young Hags by Corina Bizim and Maddy Hillis
Presented by Firecracker Deparment
Shorts Awards
Impact
Karateka (Director: Florence Fauquet)
Presented by North Shore Studios
Best Performance
Carmen Sylvestre (Lumen)
Presented by Lucas Talent
Best Cinematography
Nina Wells (Vivie)
Presented by ICG 669
Best Editing
Grace Zhang (Lovin’ Her)
Presented by Vancouver Post Alliance
Best Direction
Geneviève Tremblay & Milla Cummings (Passageways)
Presented by WIDC
Best Short
Is Gay Marriage Next? (Director: Emily Clark)
Presented by ACFC
Best of BC
NiiMisSak: Sisters in Film (Director: Jules A Koostachin)
Presented by Cinelease
February Sixteenth Nineteen Forty-Seven (Director: Jessica Miinguuaqtii)
Presented by Vancouver Film Studios, prize provided by Sparky’s Grip and Lighting
Little Miss Sleepy (Director: Jenny Lee-Gilmore)
Presented by MBS Equipment Co.
Features Awards
Impact
Inay (Director: Thea Loo)
Presented by CMPA
Best Performance
Olunike Adeliyi in Village Keeper
Presented by UBCP/ACTRA
Best Cinematography
Negin Khazaee for One Must Wash Eyes
Presented by Keslow Camera
Best Musical Score
Melody McKivor for Singing Back the Buffalo
Best Editing
Anna Chiyeko Shannon for Inay
Presented by Canadian Cinema Editors
Best Screenplay
Sepideh Yadegar for One Must Wash Eyes
Presented by CFL Law
Best Documentary
Tasha Hubbard (Singing Back the Buffalo)
Best Direction
Singing Back the Buffalo
Presented by DGC BC
Best Feature
Village Keeper
Presented by Telefilm
Industry Awards
Lifetime Achievement in Advancing Equity
To a leader whose impact on equity spaces has been felt over a long-term
Tracey Friesen
Presented by Elevate Inclusion
Emerging Changemaker Award
To a newcomer whose impact on the industry has made a difference to equity
Doaa Magdy
Presented by Creative BC
Leadership in Education Award
To an educator whose impact on equity in the classroom has been significant
Sharon McGowan
Artistic Achievement Award
To a leader whose impact on equity spaces has been felt over a long-term
Jules Koostachin
Presented by IATSE 891
