Just For Laughs Montréal has announced the winners of its inaugural Shorts and Pilots Program, highlighting new comedic talents and innovative storytelling.
Just For Laughs Montréal Announces Inaugural Shorts and Pilots Program Winners
EXCLUSIVE: Following the conclusion of its 2025 flagship festival in Montréal, Just For Laughs has unveiled the winners of its inaugural Shorts & Pilots Program, celebrating emerging comedic talent and original storytelling across short and pilot formats.
Shorts Category Winners
The Grand Jury Prize for Shorts was awarded to Better People, directed by Rory Kramer and written by Jessica Uhler, while the Audience Award went to This Blows, written by Molly Clark and directed by Talia Smith.
Pilots Category Winners
In the Pilots category, the Grand Jury Prize was awarded to Bulldozer, written by and starring Joanna Leeds, and directed by Andrew Leeds. The Audience Award was given to The Take, written by Joanna Bradley and Glenn Boozan.
JFL President & CEO Sylvain Parent‑Bédard expressed excitement about showcasing rising voices, stating, “We’re thrilled to spotlight these talents and play a part in launching what we believe will be remarkable careers. This is just the beginning.”
Executive Producer Spencer Griffin added, “Just For Laughs has always been about discovery, development, and delivery. The Shorts & Pilots Program is the latest extension of that mission, showcasing the incredible work of independent creators.”
Winners will receive development opportunities with Just For Laughs, with Grand Jury Prize winners entering a partnership with Will Arnett’s Electric Avenue. Judges were selected for their industry expertise and commitment to championing emerging comedic voices.
Submissions for the 2026 program will open early next year. Learn more about this year’s winning projects and their creators below.
See More ...
About the Winners
Better People: Rory Kramer is a Chilean-American, Emmy-winning writer and director known for campaigns for major brands and recognized narrative projects at top festivals.
This Blows: Molly Clark is a New York-based LGBTQ+ comedic writer and actor whose feature film was recently optioned by a prominent production company.
Bulldozer: Joanna Leeds is a Harvard graduate with acting credits on notable TV shows, while Andrew Leeds has a rich background in both acting and writing for major networks.
The Take: Glenn Boozan and Joanna Bradley are established writers in the industry with impressive backgrounds in television comedy.
Shorts Participants Include:
- Bullies in the Sky — Taylor Brown
- Denise Sells Houses — Will Sonheim, Claire McFadden
- Happy Mart — Bill Posely, Bente Engelstoft
- Mahogany Drive — Jerah Milligan, Jonathon Braylock
- Slop King — Andy Assaf, Peter Schnobb
- Something Bad That Happened in My Past — Mike Mildon, Clare McConnell
- The Debut — Jared Bronen, Alex Guaglianone
- The Pact — Brandon Calder, Ryan George, Samuel Brisson
- The Protagonist Gene — Kyle Leland Cullerton
Pilots Participants Include:
- Dying Seconds — Brendan Halloran, Davin Lengyel, Samantha Wan
- Teen Mary — Ali Rosenthal
