Filmmakers
Welcome, Filmmakers! The Shelf to Screen Fest invites you to bring stories to life through the power of cinematic short films. You will partner with independent authors to translate stories into creative short films and trailers.
This is your opportunity to actually give the fans the book adaptation of their dreams.
Next Steps:
Filmmaker Selection is now open from August 28 - September 20, 2026.
Please review the available pitches, register your filmmaking team, and rate the stories you are most interested in adapting.
Let’s get started!
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Book pitch deadline:
August 23, 2026
Author pitches available for filmmaker selection:
Filmmaker selections due:
September 20, 2026
Official Matches released:
September 30, 2026
Production Period
September 30, 2026 - January 8, 2027
Final Film submission deadline:
January 8, 2027
Films screened:
February 20, 2027 at the Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema in Vancouver
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Team Leader & Crew Requirements
BC Residence: The Team Leader must live in British Columbia.
Open Age: Participants can be any age.
Open Experience: All skill levels can join.
If you are an author AND filmmaker, submit your script and then stay tuned to sign up your film team on August 28th!
Production Constraints
Music / Stock Footage Rights: You must own or license all stock footage / audio used.
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We welcome completed works including novels, novellas, short stories, children’s and young adult books, graphic novels, memoirs, narrative nonfiction, and other works suitable for short-film adaptation.
All genres and perspectives are welcome. We are proudly LGBTQ2S+ friendly and encourage stories that reflect diverse identities, cultures, relationships, faiths, and lived experiences. Religious, political, and socially focused stories may be submitted, provided they do not promote hatred, discrimination, harassment, or violence toward individuals or communities.
Filmmakers must identify any sensitive or mature content, including:
Violence, abuse, self-harm, sexual content, or substance use
Strong language, discrimination, or hate speech
Religious or political extremism
Illness, pregnancy loss, animal harm, or other potentially distressing themes
A content note will not automatically disqualify a submission. It helps organizers, cast, and production teams make informed decisions.
We will not accept works that promote hatred, exploitation, sexualize minors, glorify non-consensual conduct, encourage dangerous or illegal activity, or use AI-generated content or copyrighted material without permission.
The festival may decline or request changes to any submission that cannot be adapted safely, respectfully, legally, or within the event’s production guidelines.
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Pitch: Authors submit their book and adaptation idea.
Review: Our team reviews pitches for eligibility and film potential.
Select: Approved pitches are shared with filmmakers, who rank their favourites.
Match: Authors and film teams are matched based on rankings and production fit.
Create: Teams produce a film adaptation of five minutes or less.
Submit: Completed films and release forms are submitted by the deadline. Eligible films are shown at the festival.
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Participation is $20 per team.
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Interested in signing up a team?
Click HERE
Filmmaker Selection is now open from August 28 - September 20, 2026.
Please review the available pitches, register your filmmaking team, and rate the stories you are most interested in adapting.
Need more information?If you're interested in connecting with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.