Introducing the Shortlist of Filmmakers for the 2023 #YODOContest!

Hospice of Waterloo Region (HWR) and the Grand River Film Festival (GRFF) have partnered on a short film contest that calls on filmmakers and storytellers in Waterloo Region to tell stories that focus on death as a part of living.

You Only Die Once: #YODOContest encourages local filmmakers to use their artistic expression to create short films that explore and educate others about death, dying and grief in a personally unique way that has a positive influence on the community.

Introducing the Shortlist

Over the last month, our review committee took time to review each proposal that was submitted, all of which provided a unique perspective on how to address the topic of death, dying and grief through a story.

And so, HWR and GRFF extend a huge congratulations to all the filmmakers & their teams who have been accepted into the next stage of the competition:

We are thrilled by the creativity and artistic talent expressed in their initial ideas — from stories that focus on  death positivity to anticipatory grief — and we can’t wait to see the finished products!

Next Steps

In the new year, we will introduce you to the judging panel for the competition. We will also be sharing video clips from the filmmakers — in short, you’ll be able to “get to know our contestants!” Our hope is to bring focus and attention to the amazing and local filmmaking talent that we have right here in Waterloo Region.

These interviews will also provide our community members to learn more about the filmmakers and be a part of their filmmaking journey as well.

The winners of the contest will be announced on March 27, 2022, and the winning films will be screened at the Grand River Film Festival in May 2023.

Previous Winners

• 2022: Watch the award-winning films
• 2021: Watch the award-winning films

Have Questions?

Visit YODO-Contest.ca for more details, or contact Alex Allen: aallen@hospicewaterloo.ca.