The 45th Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) revealed its 2026 juried award recipients on Wednesday, highlighting standout titles across its six competitive streams: Summit, Horizon, Tides, Arbutus, Vanguard, and Short Forum.
Geneviève Dulude-De Celles’ drama Nina Roza claimed the Summit Award. The jury commended the film for its nuanced portrayal of identity, belonging, and the immigrant journey. The narrative centers on a man returning to his hometown after 28 years, motivated by the mystery of a young artistic prodigy. “We all know what it’s like to long for home,” the jury stated, adding that they were captivated by the direction, authentic performances, striking cinematography, and music. Ian Bawa’s Strong Son received a special mention from the same panel.
For the Horizon Award, the jury selected Nyla Innuksuk’s In the Heart of the South, citing it as a premier example of contemporary Canadian cinema. Reviewers praised the performances of Anna Lambe and Zorga Qaunaq, alongside the film’s refined cinematic style. Nathan Donovan’s Clubfoot was also honored with a special mention.
Banchi Hanuse’s Ceremony won the Tides Award for its documentary exploration of the Nuxalk Nation’s struggle to protect its territories and waters following the disappearance of ooligan fish from Bella Coola. The jury highlighted the film’s inventive storytelling and beautiful cinematography, noting how it captures community resilience and ancestral generosity. Carol Nguyen’s Still Night, Burning House earned a special mention.
The Arbutus Award, dedicated to British Columbia filmmaking, went to Marie Clements’ How We Stand. The film examines the bond between sisters torn apart by tragedy, confronting traumatic history through a surreal yet deeply human lens. The jury appreciated its ability to entertain, educate, and provoke societal self-reflection. Hayley Gray and Kaayla Whachell’s Send the Rain received a special mention.
In the Vanguard category, Banu Sıvacı’s Hear the Yellow took top honors. The jury lauded the film’s originality, emotional precision, and singular cinematic language, which creates a dialogue between rural and urban landscapes and a family separated by time. Samuel Urbina’s That Shadow Fading was awarded a special mention.
Taiwanese filmmaker Yu Yu’s animated short Pre-Parenting won the Short Forum Award, with Kamal Aljafari’s Going Home receiving a special mention.
The festival is scheduled to conclude on October 11. The juries responsible for the awards included Rhia Aden, Nach Dudsdeemaytha, and Caitlyn Sponheimer for the Summit Award; Arjun Ayillath, Madeleine Davis, and Michael Mann for Horizon; Selwyn Jacob, Lyana Patrick, and Jeff Lee Petry for Tides; Josephine Anderson, Brenda Lieberman, and David Taylor for the Arbutus Award; Joaquin Cardoner, Caroline Monnet, and Sarah Shamash for Vanguard; and Tanvi Bhatia, Ariel Bond, and Thanh Lieu for the Short Film Award.
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