Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver (GEMS): The Genre Film Lab

Deadlines: January 4, 2026 (early bird); February 1 (regular submission); Feb 13 (late submissions)

The Genre Film Lab is an accelerator program designed to support the development of effective finance, packaging and pitching strategies for Canadian genre film creators whose projects are at an advanced stage of development.

The Genre Film Lab program will begin in May 2026 with a tailored masterclass and will culminate with a dedicated pitch session at the Frontières International Co-Production Market in July 2026.

Note: Applicants must be GEMS Members.

What is Genre Film?
Genre projects include, but are not limited to thrillers, western, science fiction, fantasy and horror – or any imaginative combination of these.

Program Phases – Overview:

PHASE 1 – MAY/JUNE *subject to changes:

• Introductory session (*Individualized Welcome Sessions will be held with the Program Director in mid April)
• Past Projects Roundtable & Virtual Networking Meet Up
• Pitch Coaching & Story Development Masterclasses (x2) // A balanced focus
• One-on-ones w. Story Coach & Program Director
• Sales & Distribution Seminar // Film Deck & LookBook Workshop

PHASE 2 – JUNE/JULY:

• Individual Strategy Sessions with Industry Professionals (2 dedicated experts per project)
• Using the guidance they have received from industry experts, teams prepare their Frontières pitch presentations (requirements & timelines to be discussed)
• Practice Pitch Presentation with Jury of Industry Professionals
• Additional Frontières prep one-on-one sessions with Story Coach & Program Director
• Invited Genre Filmmaker Q & A – Previous Years: Jenn Wexler (The Ranger, The Sacrifice Game), Jennifer Reeder (Knives and Skin, Perpetrator), Vera Drew (The People’s Joker), & Michelle Garza Cervera (Huesera: The Bone Woman).

AVAILABILITY: Roughly 20 – 25 hrs of covered in virtual sessions across Phases 1 & 2

PHASE 3 – Frontières (end of July):

Frontières is internationally established as the leading industry initiative for genre film professionals. It is organised by the Fantasia International Film Festival, with the participation of the Marché du Film – Festival de Cannes. At Frontières, we connect genre filmmakers with industry professionals and promote co-production and collaboration with Canada & Europe. Since 2017 Frontières has produced 3 annual events: the Frontières International Co-Production Market (July, at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, for projects in development & early financing); the Frontières Finance & Packaging Forum (February, travelling event, for projects at the midway point in their financing); and the Frontières Platform at the Marché du Film – Festival de Cannes (May, for projects in advanced financing & post-production).

How does it work?

Projects are invited to pitch alongside the main lineup of projects in front of all invited industry guests. After their pitch presentations, projects will participate in 4 days of meetings and networking events with the goal of building relationships, gaining financing & support, and generally advancing the development of their feature films. This is an in person event taking place in Montreal at the end of July.

Project Qualifications:

EQUITY: GEMS welcomes applications from all creators who are equity-deserving on the basis of gender. We believe in fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment, where all participants and staff feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a program that reflects Canada’s diversity and elevates equity-deserving voices. Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Projects must be for a feature-length film
• Projects should have a director and lead producer attached (*preference is given to projects with director & producer attached; projects without will still be considered)
• Writers & directors must be women or gender diverse, with preference given to teams who are all women or gender diverse.
• First draft scripts are eligible, so long as they are complete.
• Genre Film Lab (and From Our Dark Side) alumni and those who have submitted in the past are welcome to submit with full length scripts.
• The program is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents only and productions must qualify as Canadian