Gender Equity in Media Society Unveils Full Lineup for GEMFest

Vancouver, BC (February,  2026) – Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver (GEMS) has unveiled the full lineup for the 21st annual Gender Equity in Media Festival (GEMFest), returning to the VIFF Centre from March 5–8, 2026. Featuring 35 films from 13 countries, including 18 Canadian films and 11 BC-based creators, GEMFest 2026 spotlights bold, urgent storytelling by women and gender-diverse filmmakers working across form, genre, and geography.

At a moment when film industries worldwide are reckoning with who gets to control the camera—and whose stories continue to be marginalized—this year’s program platforms films that subvert dominant narratives, disrupt power structures, and interrogate the systems shaping what we see on screen.

“Subverting and disrupting mainstream media messaging, which is increasingly pushing a patriarchal agenda, is incredibly important now—perhaps more than ever,” says Anaïsa Visser, Executive Director of GEMS. “We must bring forward the voices of those who challenge hegemony and misogyny, and those who value collective action over individual gains.”

Opening Night:

GEMFest kicks off on Thursday, March 5, with an Opening Night Reception and a screening of the TELUS originals feature Hearse Chasing, preceded by the TELUS STORYHIVE short Burcu’s Angels, at the VIFF Cinema. Directed by award-winning writer/director Teresa Alfeld, Hearse Chasing follows Vancouver-based musician Cassidy Waring as she returns to her hometown in search of answers about her family’s tragic breakdown. Burcu’s Angels explores three decades of chosen family and care through the story of Turkish queer elder Burcu Özdemir, whose Vancouver home became a sanctuary for community in a rapidly changing city. The evening will conclude with a live performance by singer-songwriter Cassidy Waring. 

“I am deeply moved by our opening feature, Hearse Chasing, and eagerly anticipate our audience’s response,” says Festival Director Della Haddock. “This year’s program reflects the exceptional care and intention of our programmers, and the entire GEMFest team has done outstanding work.”

Additional festival highlights include Indigenous feature films from Canada, the United States, and New Zealand, five curated short film programs, and Acts of Vision, a dedicated series spotlighting Black-led films from Canada and abroad. 

Tristin Greyeyes' A Cree Approach, a film that documents the life of Freda Ahenakew, a Nehiyaw (Cree) woman, who dedicated her life to saving the once-dying Nehiyawewin language, will have its world premiere at the festival. Other film highlights are the Canadian and hometown debuts from BC filmmakers Ariel Bond with Rupture, Omorose Osagie with Lost Wax and Amanda Wandler with W7éyle (Moon's Wife). Canadian premieres from international filmmakers, including: Fire Within, Your Email Has Not Found Me Well, Naaz, Don't be late, Myra, Yáamay: An Ode to Blooming and many more. 

Industry Programming & Events:

Alongside its film programming, GEMFest will host a focused industry program featuring panels, conversations, and networking events that address community storytelling, discovery and promotion, funding realities, and navigating the Canadian feature film landscape.

Highlights include Who Holds the Story?, a conversation with community elders, knowledge holders, and producers on consent and cultural stewardship; Getting Seen, a discussion with local programmers and publicists on discovery in advance, during and after production; and Funding Realities, a candid town hall with funders and producers.

The industry program culminates in the Pitch Forum on March 8.

Full program details and tickets: gemsvancouver.org/gemfest

Tickets & Venue Information

Tickets range from $18–$22, with low-barrier access options available. All events take place at the VIFF Centre and Studio Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver.

Social Media:

 Instagram / Facebook  / LinkedIn  / YouTube / Vimeo / Website 

Producers:

Executive Producers: BC Arts Council, BC Gaming, Destination Events, Canadian Heritage, City of Vancouver, & Creative BC

Co-Producer: CMPA BC

About Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver (GEMS)

GEMS is a member-based organisation committed to advancing gender equity in the film and television industry in British Columbia. Founded in 1989, GEMS advocates for equal opportunities and representation for women and gender-diverse individuals, providing accessible programming, mentorship, and community-building events. GEMFest, GEMS’ annual film festival, is a celebration of diverse voices that challenges industry norms and empowers creators to tell their stories.

GEMFest is presented on the traditional and unceded territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ/Selilwitulh Tsleil‐Waututh) Nations.