History of the Festival

History of the Festival

The YoungCuts Film Festival is North America's only international film festival whose primary purpose is to advance the careers of young filmmakers. We showcase the best emerging filmmaking talent from around the world. The Festival features all types of short films produced by people 29 years old and under, and was created to help launch talented young people's film and television careers, by providing exposure and recognition of their works.

YoungCuts' first festival was held in Toronto in 2001. In 2006, the Festival moved to Montreal.  Through 2011, the festival offered categories for filmmakers 25 years old and under. In 2012, the festival expanded to include filmmakers ages 25 to 29. In late 2016, the festival moved to its new home in Vancouver, Canada.

Interest in the Festival has grown dramatically since its inception, and the Festival grew to the largest of its kind in the world. In its current format, the festival chooses the best films, annually, from films that are submitted from more than 30 countries. Sponsors have included Pepsi, American Airlines, Unilever, the City of Montreal, High Fidelity Broadcasting and Air Canada.

In addition to the broad-based participation by young North American filmmakers, actors and actresses, the Festival encourages participation from young filmmakers around the world.