JUST FOR LAUGHS SHORTS, presented by Just For Laughs in partnership with Will Arnett’s Electric Avenue, spotlights the boldest, sharpest, and most original comedic voices from around the world. This year’s program will feature a curated mix of live-action and animated shorts, creating space to celebrate comedy in all its forms. 

We’re looking for scripted, unscripted, and animated work that takes big swings, whether it’s a laugh-out-loud standalone or a short bursting with long-form potential. Submissions should feel intentional and cohesive, with a clear narrative, conceptual, or thematic throughline.  

Submit your film and show us what the future of comedy looks like!

• Open to artists worldwide! (All submissions must be in English) 
• Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway to qualify. 
• Eligible content must have been completed in 2025 or 2026. 
• Premieres (World, North American, or Canadian) are encouraged but not required. 
• Running time should be between 3 and 12 minutes (including credits). 
• Content may have been previously self-published online (e.g., on personal or creator-owned social channels or websites). However, submissions must not have been released via television, streaming platforms, theatrical distribution, or third-party curatorial or distribution partners in Canada prior to the festival’s closing date (festival screenings are okay). 
• Submissions screened at other festivals are allowed. Works may be publicly available online if they were self-published by the creator; private YouTube or Vimeo links are also acceptable.

By submitting a film to JFL, the submitter grants the Festival the right to use an excerpt from the film for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film confirms they are authorized to commit the film for screening and understands and accepts all requirements and regulations outlined. The submitter agrees to indemnify and hold JFL harmless from any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses (including attorney's fees and court costs) arising from any issues related to copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, or the loss or damage of the submitted screening video.

Returning for the 2026 Just For Laughs Montreal Festival, JFL PILOTS, presented by Just For Laughs in partnership with Will Arnett’s Electric Avenue, will spotlight 3 of the most original and hilarious independent half-hour pilots from around the world.  

We’re looking for bold, laugh-out-loud comedies, whether they’re sharp satires, clever mockumentaries, heartfelt rom-coms, or daringly unique concepts designed to captivate audiences. Each pilot, live-action or animated, scripted or unscripted, must be independently produced and undistributed as a multi-episode series. The pilot must display clear series potential; standalone short films will not be considered

Returning for the 2026 Just For Laughs Montreal Festival, JFL PILOTS, presented by Just For Laughs in partnership with Will Arnett’s Electric Avenue, will spotlight 3 of the most original and hilarious independent half-hour pilots from around the world.  

We’re looking for bold, laugh-out-loud comedies, whether they’re sharp satires, clever mockumentaries, heartfelt rom-coms, or daringly unique concepts designed to captivate audiences. Each pilot, live-action or animated, scripted or unscripted, must be independently produced and undistributed as a multi-episode series. The pilot must display clear series potential; standalone short films will not be considered.

• Open to artists worldwide! (All submissions must be in English.) 
• Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway to qualify. 
• Eligible content must have been completed in 2025 or 2026. 
• Premieres (World, North American, or Canadian) are encouraged but not required. 
• Running time must be between 15 and 30 minutes (including credits). 
• Content may have been previously self-published online (e.g., on personal or creator-owned social channels or websites). However, submissions must not have been released via television, streaming platforms, theatrical distribution, or third-party curatorial or distribution partners in Canada prior to the festival’s closing date (festival screenings are okay).  
• Submissions screened at other festivals are allowed. Works may be publicly available online if they were self-published by the creator; private YouTube or Vimeo links are also acceptable.