GEMFest brings 35 films to the VIFF Centre | Georgia Straight Vancouver’s source for arts, culture, and events

1 of 1 2 of 1 Get the best of Vancouver in your inbox, every Tuesday and Thursday. Sign up for our free newsletter.The Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver is back with the 21st annual Gender Equity in Media Festival, better known as GEMFest, this March. This year’s edition brings 35 films from 13 countries to the VIFF Centre, including 18 Canadian works and projects from 11 BC-based creators.GEMFest has long centred women and gender-diverse filmmakers, and its 2026 lineup leans into stories that question who gets to shape the narrative. “Subverting and disrupting mainstream media messaging, which is increasingly pushing a patriarchal agenda, is incredibly important now—perhaps more than ever,” shares Anaïsa Visser, Executive Director of GEMS, in a statement. “We must bring forward the voices of those who challenge hegemony and misogyny, and those who value collective action over individual gains.”Opening night sets the tone. The festival kicks off March 5 with a reception followed by a screening of the TELUS Originals feature Hearse Chasing, preceded by the short Burcu’s Angels. Directed by Teresa Alfeld, Hearse Chasing follows Vancouver musician Cassidy Waring as she returns to her hometown to untangle the circumstances around her family’s devastating rupture. Burcu’s Angels traces three decades of chosen family through Turkish queer elder Burcu Özdemir, whose Vancouver home became a sanctuary in a rapidly shifting city. The evening wraps with a live performance by Waring.I am deeply moved by our opening feature, Hearse Chasing, and eagerly anticipate our audience’s response,” shares Festival Director Della Haddock, in a release. “This year’s program reflects the exceptional care and intention of our programmers, and the entire GEMFest team has done outstanding work.”One of the highlights is the world premiere of A Cree Approach by Tristin Greyeyes. The documentary traces the life of Freda Ahenakew, a Nehiyaw woman who devoted herself to revitalizing the once-endangered Nehiyawewin language. Local filmmakers also get their moment in the spotlight. BC creators Ariel Bond (Rupture), Omorose Osagie (Lost Wax) and Amanda Wandler (W7éyle (Moon’s Wife)) are set to debut new work on home turf. International features making their Canadian premieres include Fire Within, Your Email Has Not Found Me Well, Naaz, Don’t Be Late, Myra and Yáamay: An Ode to Blooming, among others.GEMFest also extends beyond the screen. Its industry programming delves into the realities of filmmaking in Canada right now. Events include Who Holds the Story?, which brings together elders, knowledge holders and producers to discuss consent and cultural stewardship, Getting Seen, a conversation about discovery and promotion at every stage of production, and Funding Realities, a discussion between funders and producers about what it actually takes to get a feature made.For audiences, the appeal is twofold. There’s the chance to catch urgent, globally-minded cinema that might not otherwise land in local theatres. GEMFest 2026When: March 5 to 8Where: VIFF CentreTickets: $16+, available here Join the discussion Facebook comments not loading? Please check your browser settings to ensure that it is not blocking Facebook from running on straight.com