GEMS Vancouver Programs

Providing low-barrier, accessible programming to women and gender diverse filmmakers is a core part of GEMS' mission. We offer an array of programs, including educational events and mentorships, aimed at increasing the participation of women and gender diverse people in film and television. These programs are designed to offer opportunities to connect, learn and grow at every stage of your career.

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Virtual Coffee Chats

For emerging and seasoned filmmakers, producers, directors, screenwriters, actors and everyone who wants to know more about the industry, our Coffee Chats feature moderated conversations with special guests, and are a great way to grow your film knowledge and community.

GEMFest

Entering its 19th year, GEMFest (formerly Vancouver International Women in Film Festival) continues to provide a platform for challenging gender inequity and lack of diversity in the screen-based media industry through a combination of film screening, discussions, professional development and networking opportunities.

Producer's Panel Series

The Producer's Panel Series examines all aspects of production, from script and development to distribution and marketing. This educational event is designed for both emerging and intermediate producers wishing to learn from the experience of working producers and industry experts.

Please note, this event is on hiatus indefinitely.

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Tricksters and Writers

Launched in August 2017, Tricksters and Writers was created to increase the professional participation of Indigenous Pa‡ki·s (women, two-spirit, Indiqueer) screenwriters by providing opportunities to delve into story development and screenwriting in a workshop setting and networking with fellow Indigenous creatives.

The Genre Film Lab

The Genre Film Lab (formerly known as From Our Dark Side) is an accelerator program designed to support the development of effective finance, packaging and pitching strategies for genre film creators whose projects are at an advanced stage of development.

Emerging TV Producers Program

The Emerging TV Producers Program provides participants with an entry point, a strategic plan and a supportive network to shepherd their first TV projects successfully into the complex Canadian TV production system.

WFF Mentorship Program

The GEMS – Whistler Film Festival (WFF) Market Preparation Mentorship is a development program that provides a producer, director or writer the opportunity to take a a feature film or series concept to market.

Producer’s Workbook 5

The Producer’s Workbook 5 (PW5) is an invaluable roadmap for independent producers bravely making their way through the ever-changing complexities involved with bringing a project from script to screen.