Out On Screen, a pillar of 2SLGBTQIA+ media arts and education has long been at the forefront of celebrating queer storytelling and fostering community through film. Now, the organization is entering an exciting new era with the appointment of Mary Galloway as its new Artistic Director.
An award-winning mixed Cowichan filmmaker, actor, and advocate, Galloway brings a wealth of experience in film, television, and festival programming. With a career dedicated to uplifting queer, Indigenous, and neurodiverse voices, she steps into this role as the first Indigenous and Indigiqueer person to lead the Vancouver Queer Film Festival (VQFF) in its 37-year history.
Galloway’s vision for Out On Screen is clear: to challenge harmful mainstream portrayals, elevate diverse narratives, and create space for intersectional storytelling that truly reflects the richness of 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences.
Mary Galloway: A Trailblazing Filmmaker and Advocate
Mary Galloway is no stranger to breaking barriers in the film industry. She has spent over a decade crafting stories that centre Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences with depth, authenticity, and heart. Her work extends beyond filmmaking—she has also played a key role in film festival programming and jury selection, championing diverse voices in Canadian and international cinema.
With this deep-rooted commitment to representation, Galloway is eager to bring her vision to Out On Screen. “As an Indigiqueer cis female artist, I have always believed in the transformative power of storytelling to foster empathy, ignite change, and amplify the voices of those who are too often silenced,” she shared. “As the new Artistic Director, my goal is to help shape a festival that challenges harmful mainstream portrayals and fosters thoughtful, intersectional representations of our beautifully queer identities.”
Her career highlights include directing and producing critically acclaimed projects such as Querencia (2021), a web series about an Indigenous queer love story, which earned two Canadian Screen Award nominations. Her work on The Cowichan Sweater: Our Knitted Legacy (2023) and Acting Good (2023) further solidified her reputation as a storyteller committed to uplifting marginalized communities.
Galloway’s appointment has been met with enthusiasm from Out On Screen’s leadership. Eli Morris (they/them), Executive Director, emphasized the importance of her role at this pivotal moment: “As a matriarch of the local and national film industry and a fierce advocate for Indigenous and queer communities, Mary is a natural fit to lead the next chapter of the Vancouver Queer Film Festival. In this moment, it feels more important than ever that we build solidarity across our communities for our collective liberation.”
With accolades such as TIFF Rising Star, Whistler Film Festival Talent to Watch, and a place on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of Breakouts Making an Impact on Hollywood, Galloway has established herself as a powerful force in Canadian cinema. Now, as she steps into her new role at Out On Screen, she brings her passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to fostering a more inclusive and representative film industry.
A Historic Appointment for Out On Screen
Mary Galloway’s appointment as Artistic Director marks a milestone for Out On Screen and the Vancouver Queer Film Festival (VQFF). As the first Indigenous and Indigiqueer person to hold this leadership role in the festival’s 37-year history, her selection reflects a growing commitment to fostering more inclusive and representative storytelling in Canadian cinema.
Her leadership comes at a time when the need for authentic representation in media has never been more critical. As the festival prepares for its 37th edition, Galloway’s influence is expected to bring fresh perspectives, innovative programming, and a renewed focus on intersectionality.
Under Galloway’s guidance, the Vancouver Queer Film Festival is set to enter a new era—one that not only celebrates 2SLGBTQIA+ stories but also actively challenges outdated narratives and pushes for greater visibility of Indigenous, queer, and marginalized filmmakers.
What’s Next for the Vancouver Queer Film Festival?
VQFF will take place from September 11–21, 2025, offering both in-person screenings in Vancouver and online programming available BC-wide.
In preparation for this year’s festival, VQFF has officially opened submissions for filmmakers interested in showcasing their work.
- Regular submission deadline: February 28, 2025
- Late submission deadline: April 15, 2025
Filmmakers looking to have their work featured in Canada’s second-largest queer film festival can find more details on the official website: outonscreen.com/entries.
Beyond the festival itself, Out On Screen’s year-round programming will also reflect Galloway’s vision. This includes initiatives like Out In Schools, which brings 2SLGBTQIA+ films and discussions into classrooms across British Columbia to combat discrimination and promote inclusion.
As Galloway takes on this leadership role, the film industry will be watching closely to see how her expertise and advocacy shape the festival’s future.
Out On Screen’s Commitment to 2SLGBTQIA+ Storytelling
For decades, Out On Screen has been at the forefront of 2SLGBTQIA+ media arts and education. Through its core programs, the organization continues to amplify queer voices, challenge societal norms, and foster meaningful dialogue within communities.
Out In Schools
Out On Screen runs Out In Schools, an award-winning initiative that brings 2SLGBTQIA+ films into classrooms across British Columbia. The program aims to:
- Combat anti-trans and anti-gay discrimination
- Educate students on queer and trans experiences through storytelling
- Provide resources and language for inclusion in schools and communities
With Galloway’s deep commitment to advocacy, her role as Artistic Director will likely enhance Out In Schools’ programming, ensuring that more authentic, diverse, and impactful films reach young audiences.
Final Thoughts
As the first Indigenous and Indigiqueer Artistic Director in the festival’s history, Galloway is breaking barriers while carrying forward a legacy of queer storytelling and activism. Her passion, experience, and artistic leadership ensure that Out On Screen will continue to be a beacon for 2SLGBTQIA+ filmmakers and audiences—now and for years to come.