Hospice of Waterloo Region (HWR) and the Grand River Film Festival (GRFF) are excited to launch the 4th annual You Only Die Once: #YODOContest short film competition.

This film contest calls on filmmakers and storytellers in Waterloo Region and the Region of Wellington to tell stories that focus on death as a part of living.

#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

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:

• Amanda Sevigny
• Houssen Salih
• Madison Carver
• Mridul Pahwa
• Naveen Kumar Sheshgirirao
• Sophia Gastaldini
• Taegan McNeil

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

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

Have Questions?

Visit YODO-Contest.ca for more details, or contact Alexandra Allex, Community Relations Manager at HWR: aallen@hospicewaterloo.ca