VANCOUVER, BC– The Crazy8s Film Society is pleased to announce this year’s top 6 finalists. The 8-day annual filmmaking challenge provides funding, professional mentorship and support to emerging filmmakers to help them produce a short film. This year’s compelling films include projects from some of BC’s brightest rising directors including Cory Thibert, with writer Steven Cayer (THE DECISION), Ely Davidson (FULL ASIAN), Kat Reynolds, from a script co-written with Felicia Simone (GONE VIRAL), Mariel Calvo with writer Miguel da Ponte (THE LAST CALLER), Morgan Abele and Kiki Evans (MOULD) and Jacki Gunn and Della Haddock (THE THING INSIDE HER).
“Canadian creators are having a well-deserved moment, and Crazy8s is proud to support some of BC’s most talented emerging filmmaking creatives in these six outspoken short films that frame controversial themes with boldness of vision, heart horror, and humour,” said Grace Chin, Executive Director of Crazy8s.
The top 6 teams for 2026 are:
THE DECISION
Directed By: Cory Thibert
Written By: Steven Cayer
Producer: Jelian Quincina
Genre: Drama
Synopsis: A sharp-witted 30-year-old man with cerebral palsy living in assisted care has his independence tested when his overprotective mother secretly enrolls him in a risky medical trial - forcing him, his girlfriend, and his neighbour to confront what freedom really means.
FULL ASIAN
Directed By: Ely Davidson
Written By: Ely Davidson
Producer: Ione Fernando
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Synopsis: Feeling out of place as a half-Japanese male, Benny undergoes a new surgical procedure called “Beyond Asian.” This advanced technology allows individuals to erase their non-Asian heritage and implant artificial memories, transforming them, into fully Asian.
GONE VIRAL
Directed By: Kat Reynolds
Written By: Felicia Simone, Kat Reynolds
Producers: Mariam Barry, Ian Nsenga, Jessica To, Adrian Neblett, Mimi Dejene
Genre: Thriller
Synopsis: Amelia is a true crime podcaster who is struggling to build a sustainable following and is convinced the algorithm is working against her as a creator of color. After investigating the production of a mysterious juice that makes influencers go viral, Amelia makes a horrifying discovery.
THE LAST CALLER
Directed By: Mariel Calvo
Written By: Miguel Da Ponte
Producers: Hailey Cole, Miguel Da Ponte
Genre: Mockumentary
Synopsis: An intense and committed bingo caller questions his identity and the very future of his field when inflamed vocal nodes impede his performance during the biggest day in his hall’s history.
MOULD
Directed By: Morgan Abele, Kiki Evans
Written By: Morgan Abele
Producer: Noah Rosellini
Genre: Drama/Horror
Synopsis: When overwhelmed twenty-something Stevie’s body begins turning into clay, she must fight to mould herself back into her original form.
Directed By: Jacki Gunn, Della Haddock
Written By: Jacki Gunn
Producers: Lizzi Pedersen, Patrick Tozer
Genre: Surreal Comedy Horror
Synopsis: As the hormones from her recently removed IUD wear off, a woman realizes the horrifying truth about her boyfriend—he’s a giant slug.
Running since 1999, Crazy8s was created to help emerging filmmakers who have little or no access to funding for short films and to train crew and cast. Crazy8s has become a place to discover new talent, provide valuable on set training, and give opportunities for filmmakers to create work that can be used to launch their careers in the film industry. Crazy8s has provided working opportunities for thousands of people, in addition to supporting directors, there are opportunities for producers, writers, performers, cinematographers, editors, and a host of other crew members who gain valuable experience and build working relationships that often continue for many years to come.
Many Crazy8s alumni over the years have gone on to have vibrant careers in the film industry. Many more Crazy8s filmmakers have gone on to have successful careers in the film industry. Approximately 24,000 people have attended Crazy8s screenings, and the films have appeared in more than 500 international film festivals, with many being broadcast on television and on streaming platforms worldwide.
Finished films are screened at a gala screening and party that will take place on April 11th at The Centre in Vancouver, with an afterparty to follow at Science World. The gala is attended by a who’s who of the Vancouver film industry and local and international film lovers.
You can find more information on past year's film Highlights here.
About Crazy8s Crazy8s is an 8-day filmmaking challenge that provides funding and support to emerging filmmakers to help them produce a short film. Crazy8s is run by the Crazy8s Film Society, a not-for-profit society created in 1999 by members of the Directors Guild of Canada - BC to foster support for emerging filmmakers who have little or no access to funding for short films. To date, 139 films have been made.
Crazy8s is run by the Crazy8s Film Society, a not-for-profit society created to foster support for emerging filmmakers who have little or no access to funding for short films and is made possible through the support of the DGC-BC, Telefilm Canada, Creative BC, and many more creative industry and education sponsors, supporters and partners.
A heartfelt thanks to all our generous sponsors and supporters from past and present years. The confirmed sponsors so far include:
PRESENTED BY: DGC-BC
PRESENTING SPONSORS: Telefilm Canada, Creative BC
SILVER SPONSORS: CMPA-BC, Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel
BRONZE SPONSOR: UBCP/ACTRA
FILM INDUSTRY SUPPORTER: Visionary Productions
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORTERS: Capilano University School of Motion Picture Arts, UBC Department of Creative Writing
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