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ignite!
2026
Lineup

  • +70 creators
  • 5 days
Youtube Instagram
  • Art Exhibition
  • may 12 - 31
  • germinate: call and response

shivangi singh

carmen toledo bores

  • Day 1
  • wednesday, May 13
  • germinate; Opening Party

Telling it bent

kendall clark

erin purghart

  • Day 2
  • Thursday, May 14
  • recompose

alycia rose

nushi sharma

Paul-Daniel Torres

Harmeet Kaur Virdee Quartet

  • Day 3
  • friday may 15
  • pollinate

silken
lawson

Left Pinky Toe

eila, olivia + maggie

nicolottie

rylie siraj

  • Day 4
  • saturday may 16
  • entangle

Abby Ridd + Mimi Huszti

ethan white

marcos aburto

allison louis

daisy de kroon

  • Day 5
  • sunday may 17
  • bloom

salseo

alyssa jb

malandro

ysadora dias

cataleya

Art exhibition

Shivangi Singh

Shivangi Singh (Shivi), is a visual artist and illustrator studying at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. My practice is rooted in storytelling, exploring themes of nostalgia, memory, time, and emotional experience through imagery drawn from personal and cultural histories. I work across gouache, ink, mixed media, clay, and digital illustration, embracing texture, imperfection, and experimentation as part of my visual language. Alongside narrative and picture book work, I create art prints, handmade stationery, and small sculptural objects that bring storytelling into everyday life. Through both intimate illustrations and tactile objects, I aim to spark reflection, curiosity, and quiet wonder.

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Art exhibition

carmen toledo bores

Carmen Toledo Bores (ellx/she/they) is a Mexican interdisciplinary artist based in so-called Vancouver, Canada. Her work inhabits the space between the human and the more-than-human, looking for mirrors between lived experience and the ones of other abject bodies. By looking closely at other monstrous, animal, and non-human corporealities, she turns her practice into an exploration of embodied systems of knowledge, calling to reclaim and transform identity labels historically used to surveil, oppress and contain bodies like hers. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Visual Arts at The University of British Columbia.

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Germinate, May 13

telling it bent

Telling it Bent is an interdisciplinary writing workshop for queer, trans, Two Spirit and questioning BC youth ages 14 to 25. Throughout the program, participants explore poetry, playwriting, and interdisciplinary creation through a queer, decolonial, future building lens. Participants build connections with other young queer creatives, liberate their sense of imagination and play, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their artistic practice, and the possibilities of the stories they can tell.

CREDITS: 

Produced by the frank theatre company

Facilitator: Anjalica Solomon  

Producer: Karter Masuhara  

Stage Manager: Bernice Paet  

Youth participants: Lauren Han, Hawk, Dora Zhang, Viviane Wu, Jai Kumar, Vanessa Lazare, Mythili Garkiparthi

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Germinate, May 13

kendall clark

Kendall Clark is a cult heroine from the rainforest enclave of Prince Rupert, BC who has plied her craft as a comedienne all over the province before settling in Vancouver a few years ago. Kendall brings a scrappy, dive-bar mentality to the stage as she navigates retail, beer league hockey and male-dominated comedy venues with the same unwavering authenticity she displays on the mic. 

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Germinate, May 13

erin purghart

Erin Purghart is an actor, comedian, producer & middle child based in Vancouver, BC. Erin received their BFA in Acting from the University of British Columbia in 2021, and has been using it for evil on comedy stages ever since. They are the host and producer of forever sold out That’s gay! comedy show which has been presented by Just For Laughs VANCOUVER, and featured in the Georgia Straight, the Tyee, the Ubyssey and Vancouver Magazine.

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Recompose, May 14

Alycia rose

Alycia Rose is a writer/director and current UBC undergraduate, studying Creative Writing and English Literature. Alycia wrote and directed her first full-length play “Method for Madness” in collaboration with the residency program at the UBC Player’s Club. You can find her film credits on IMDB.

Alycia is the Playwright/Director of the one-act play Papa’s Phở. 

Fresh with grief, Hoa insists that Mai give up her dreams of becoming an actress in order to take over the family business: Papa’s Phở. Mai caught between her dead father’ dreams and her own must grapple with disappointing her mother or finally carving out a life for herself.

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Recompose, May 14

Nushi Sharma

Nushi Sharma. Nushi’s work is rooted in interpersonal relationships, community, and bringing her cultural heritage into Western storytelling spaces. Devoted to building long-term relationships in Vancouver’s film and arts ecosystem, she is a passionate,  supportive and powerful collaborator.  Within two years of relocating to Canada, she wrote and directed Apoy, a Filipino short thriller that premiered at the 2023 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. She went on to direct The Archipelago (2024), followed by SAHANA (2025), which screened at the 2025 MAMM Gala and continues its festival journey.

Nushi is the director of short film SAHANA

Sahana follows a young Filipino tap dancer who meets a no-face figure in the crowd of her dance recital. Knowing in her gut that it is her father, she meets him face-to-face at home. Sahana is an experimental take on lack of presence with nodes of immigration, and how it can manifest into fear and anxiety during childhood. 

 

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Recompose, May 14

Paul-Daniel Torres

Paul-Daniel Torres is a director, writer, actor, and community worker from Toronto and the son of Ecuadorean immigrants. His visually and sonically eclectic work is shaped by the city’s multicultural mosaic and the Latine diaspora. His films explore the promises and contradictions of the immigrant dream and the intersections of race, class, education, mental health, and identity within neo-colonial systems—while remaining rooted in entertainment. His shorts have screened at festivals including TIFF Next Wave and NFFTY. He also teaches guerrilla filmmaking and media literacy to underserved youth through Vibe Arts.

Paul-Daniel Torres is the director of the short film Fried Fish and Plantain

After years apart, Willie and Marisol adventure through Toronto on their first “real” date after lockdown. Setting on a journey to discover who they’ve become, why they ghosted each other, and if they’re more than just a “situationship.

 

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Recompose, May 14

Harmeet Kaur Virdee Quartet

The Harmeet Kaur Virdee Quartet presents a unique interpretation of modern jazz music focusing on the performance of original compositions written by the ensemble members. Harmeet is a Surrey based composer, and bassist that brings together rising musicians from across Canada. While continuing her music studies at the University of Toronto she met Cale Fladager (harmonica), Ian Spring (guitar), and Aidan Miller (drums). After the four started playing together there was an instant connection. Together the group has developed a distinctive modern sound drawing from their unique instrumentation and features original compositions by Harmeet and her bandmates. 

Harmeet Kaur Virdee Quartet is: 

Harmeet Kaur Virdee (double bass)

Cale Fladager (harmonica)

Ian Spring (guitar)

Aidan Miller (drums) 

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Pollinate, May 15

Silken Lawson

Silken Lawson is an interdisciplinary artist, actor and writer based in the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil Waututh First Nations. A graduate of Studio 58’s acting program and a current student at SFU’s School of the Contemporary Arts, Silken’s work reflects her interest in devising interdisciplinary and experimental theatre.

Recent works include Coming of Rage (Theatre Under The Wire, 2026) It’s Not The End Of The World (Vancouver Fringe Festival 2025), Portrait Of A Witch On Fire (Vancouver International Puppet Slam, 2025) and their original short screenplay, Ferment (Old Bank Studios, 2024).

Silken is the Playwright/Director for One-Act Play Baby

Baby is a tender and comedic one-person puppet show that takes place in the unforgiving setting of the first job interview. Baby may be new to this world, but they are wise beyond their years, and ready to climb the corporate ladder – maybe all the way to transcendence. 

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Pollinate, May 15

left pinky toe

Left Pinky Toe is a progressive rock band based in British Columbia. We started out as a silly little middle school band just jamming in our schools band room but we have come quite a long way since our early days. We currently Consist of River Del Rosario (age 13) on vocals and guitar, Jayden Lim (age 13) on bass, Darius Miat (age 14) on Drums and Oliver Jarvis (age 14) on keyboards.

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Pollinate, May 15

post haste

Post Haste is a film about a rushing mailman who keeps getting held back on his shift. Why is he in such a hurry? 

We are three high school film makers who worked together at the Cinematheque’s camp, Cinelab: Eila Horne, Olivia Ponton, Maggie Perreault. 

CREDITS: 

Isaac Fairbridge 

Elliot Dekerf

Cole winny

Journey Benson 

Abby Chan

Leila Lammam

Sam Mason

Abby Kubyshyn

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Pollinate, May 15

nicolottie

NicoLottie crafts a cinematic performance for the daydreamers, the feelers, and the deeply romantic. Blending sultry vocals, expressive theatrics, and playful, intimate storytelling — she is a little diva, a lot of heart.

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Pollinate, May 15

rylie siraj

Rylie Siraj is an amateur filmmaker from Chilliwack, BC. They work as a photographer with Out Of Step Productions and spend the rest of their time creating. They’ve been working with digital media since they were 13, and their goal is to make things that make people happy the way making them makes them happy. 

Rylie is the director of the short film Paranormal Cat-Napping (And How To Appease Spirits)

When Richie answers a suspicious house sitting call, he finds himself faced with his greatest fear. His beloved cat Elliot has been kidnapped and he must work with the perpetrator to get him back.

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Entangle, May 16

Abby Ridd, Mimi Huszti

Abby Ridd and Mimi Huszti are filmmakers based in Vancouver BC. They were born in the Sunshine Coast and Calgary respectively, but came together at SFU Contemporary Arts school and immediately noticed overlaps in their filmmaking styles. Their practices both stem from visual arts, inspiring them to join forces to create artistic, surreal works together. They have collaborated on multiple projects in the past, including a collage film titled “Send Me a Postcard When You Find Me” and a full-length comic book titled “The Interdimensional Adventures of Gurgle and Georgie”.

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Entangle, May 16

ethan white

Ethan White is a non-binary artist based in Vancouver, BC who hails from Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta–Treaty 6 Territory). Their work spans the mediums of film, photography, dance, digital art, drawing, and tackles subjects of humanity’s relationship with technology, gender identity, and the intersections these topics share with spirituality. Ethan believes in the ability of art to affect social change, and strives to side-step the obtuse pretentiousness of gallery culture by creating works that are both covertly challenging, yet entertaining enough to remain widely accessible. Ethan aspires to lend helping hands in amplifying the marginalised voices on Turtle Island and beyond.

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Entangle, May 16

marcos aburto

Marcos Aburto is an emerging writer studying English Literature at the University of British Columbia. Often, he writes around whatever he means, so much so that he frequently confuses himself in the process—he means to say ‘I write about my shame, regret, or melancholy’. It appears, for the time being, that he lacks in previous credits, so this festival makes him, to be quite honest, rather nervous, but excited nonetheless. And finally, he would like to extend his thanks to family, friends, lovers, and the ones in the back.

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Entangle, May 16

allison louis

Allison Louis has never met a chord she didn’t love. Classically trained but inspired by jazz greats such as Bud Powell, Allison is developing her own musical voice rooted in her Vancouver and Asian upbringing. As a multi-instrumentalist, composer and songwriter, she has brought jazz, pop, musical and soundtrack compositions to life on stages in Vancouver, Toronto and New York. She has been honoured with multiple national awards including the Toronto Musicians’ Association Denny Christianson Award.

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Entangle, May 16

daisy de kroon

Daisy de Kroon (she/her) is a choreographer and performer working, learning and creating on the traditional unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. She is finishing her BFA in contemporary dance at SFU. Her practice seeks space for community and individuality. She considers energy and vibe; in space, in body, between body and space and bodies. Her work is grounded in connections that are both specific and universal-ish. Through patterns, structure, and flow, she investigates how we move and coexist within systems. Some moments she creates are not meant for everybody to understand.

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Bloom, May 17

salseo

For queer folks and allies in Vancouver, Salseo is a latinx collective that builds connection and joy through Afro-Latinx dance and community. We organize culturally-rooted, welcoming, economically-accessible events where everyone can learn how to dance and practice freely, without judgment or financial barriers.

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Bloom, May 17

dj alyssajb

AlyssaJB is an indigenous queer DJ and event producer based in so-called “Vancouver”.

Playing all across the lower mainland area including for Normie Corp, The Birdhouse, The Deli, The Pearl, and having her event sell out at Davie Street’s most iconic gay bar “Numbers”. Alyssa’s style is heavily influenced by music that curates rhythm. She blends styles of Jersey Club, Brazilian Funk, Ghetto Tech, and Baltimore Club. Expect her energy to keep you hot, sweaty, and keep you moving. After making remarks in her local queer scene, expect to see her play for FVDED 2026. 

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Bloom, May 17

malandro

Malandro is a drag performer from Mexico City, shaped by the city’s cabaret stages and underground techno nights. Somewhere between music, stories, and late-night dance floors, “Malandro” began to take form. On stage, his weapons are sensuality, charm, and a playful sense of curiosity. Sometimes it’s a story, sometimes it’s a dance, sometimes still. Through humor and performance, he speaks about love and transformation, creating sparks of magic even in the darkest times. And he has always loved clowns.

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Bloom, May 17

ysadora dias

Ysadora Dias is a Brazilian dance artist based in so-called Vancouver, whose cultural heritage deeply informs her movement and creative practice. She has collaborated with numerous artists across the city and performed with companies including Co. Erasga, Raven Spirit Dance, Inverso Productions, and Action at a Distance. Ysa has also toured with MascallDance throughout Canada and New Zealand. In 2024, she participated in Dance West Network’s Re-Centering Margins Residency and was an artist-in-residence for Co. Erasga’s Salon Series fall 2025.

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Bloom, May 17

cataleya

Cataleya is the new rising act in Vancouver’s Drag scene. She combines her training in cosmetics, fashion, and dance to deliver a show you will never forget.

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thursday, may 19
music

argel mdr

Argel MDR is a Filipino-Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor from Surrey, Canada. He was one of the Top 10 finalists of CBC’s Toyota Searchlight 2021. When he was 15 years old, he moved to Canada from the Philippines with his family to seek a better life and opportunities. As a young immigrant, Argel wants to use the power of storytelling to inspire Filipino youth and other immigrants through his music and theatrical performances. He is an advocate of representation, anti-racism work, and inclusion. Argel’s most recent single, ‘Sail Away’ was featured in Spotify playlists including Fresh Finds Philippines.

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wednesday, may 18
Ignite!-curated shorts

corinne langmuir

Corinne Langmuir (they/she) is a video editor, multimedia creator, and writer. In 2020, they directed the introspective dance short Zì Jǐ with their collaborator Erin Lum. Corinne is studying at the University of Toronto. They aim to challenge the barriers of subconscious narratives through multimedia grounds.

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wednesday, may 18
Ignite!-curated shorts

Erin Lum

Erin Lum (she/her) is a dancer, writer, and filmmaker. Her instinctual love for movement has allowed her to explore the ways creative practices intertwine. With her collaborator Corinne Langmuir, she directed and danced in the F-O-R-M commissioned short, Zì Jǐ. Erin is currently studying at SFU and works as F-O-R-M’s Associate Producer.  

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