Is your New Year’s resolution to learn more about filmmaking? To immerse yourself in the city’s comedy scene? To finally start that creative project you’ve been mulling over? This comedy film challenge might be exactly what you need to jumpstart your artistic goals in 2025.

Canadian Film Fest and Firecracker Department are teaming up for the second year of The Comedy Igniter—an incredible opportunity for Canadian women and non-binary creatives interested in comedic writing and filmmaking.

The premise is simple: participants have 1 month to conceive, develop, and produce a comedic short film based on a unique prompt. Along the way, they will partake in a series of invaluable writing, directing, and producing workshops—shaping their vision, refining their comedic chops, and setting them up for success.

Beyond skill-building, this program offers networking and mentorship sessions—amazing opportunities to connect with other creative collaborators and receive guidance from notable industry professionals. Previous mentors have included Naomi Snieckus (Mr. D, Disney’s Zombies), Wendy Litner (My Dead Mom, How to Buy a Baby), Cazhhmere Downey (Murdoch Mysteries, Shelved), and Lauren MacKinlay (MacKinlay Media, Bell Media).

At the end of the month, the result is a completed short film, and an above-the-line key credit that could propel you to your next opportunity.

That’s not all—selected films will screen at an exclusive showcase at the 2025 Canadian Film Fest in March 2025! Whether or not your film is selected, up to 3 key participants on your team will receive complimentary CFF festival passes (valued at $600+) which provide access to festival screenings and industry series events. 

We love that this program provides a supportive community for women and non-binary creatives to tell their stories and have their voices heard. The Comedy Igniter provides an excellent framework for making your ideas a reality— especially if you thrive on deadlines. The one-month timeline provides structure and accountability, with support along the way from a community that wants to see you shine. Sometimes, a boost like this goes a long way—it could be the push you need to bring your creative goals to life in the new year.

The Comedy Igniter is open to Canadian women and non-binary participants ages 18+. Sign-up is open now until January 13, 2025. For more information on program dates and eligibility, visit their website.