““Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?” ”
2018 Program
Applications for our 2018 program are now open!
Share your story and your unique perspective on queer identity for youth today. The program is open to any youth 16-24 years of age, and no previous film experience is required.
Short films can be of any genre or type and final films can be up to 15 minutes long. Get creative, and propose an idea that excites you! What kinds of unique perspectives do you want to bring to an audience? What side of the story do you want to tell? Use this opportunity to explore the concepts of queer identity that interest you.
The Youth Queer Media Program (YQMP) gives audiences the opportunity to look through the eyes of our emerging filmmakers, and gives the filmmakers the tools and resources to share their perspective. This annual program runs December – March for youth ages 16-24 and provides the time and tools to create a short film, including workshops with industry professionals in storyboarding, editing, filming, and production. The program culminates in the world premiere of the films at the Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival in May, and the opportunity for additional screenings as they arise.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 15th, 2017
YQMP 2016 Filmmaker Experience
2017/18 Youth Queer Media Program
The Youth Queer Media Program participants began work in January, 2018 to complete their short films which will premiere at the 2018 Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival!
YQMP History
The YQMP began in 2011 as the Youth Anti-Homophobia PSA Program. It was inspired in part by the internationally acclaimed It Gets Better Project, launched in response to the epidemic of queer youth suicides in North America. Dan Savage, founder of It Gets Better, attend the 2011 Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival in honour of the PSA Youth Program. The program evolved into one of our annual programs, and we are proud to present new artists every year and share their voices.
Partners and Supporters
The Youth Queer Media Program is made possible through a partnership with EMMEDIA Gallery & Production Society. We also thank supporters of previous YQMP year’s, The University of Calgary Student’s Union, Committee of 10,000 and The Encana Cares Foundation who have helped make the program possible in the past! Send your appreciation to our partners for supporting emerging queer artists!
