Vancouver Film Festival Prizes: Big Wins for Immigrant Tale ‘Nina Roza,’ the ‘Polished Cinematic’ ‘In the Heart of the South’ and Separated Sisters Story ‘How We Stand’

As the curtains close on its landmark 45th edition, the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) has announced the winners of its highly anticipated 2026 juried competitions. Celebrating a diverse array of domestic and international storytelling, the festival recognized standout features and shorts across its Summit, Horizon, Tides, Arbutus, Vanguard, and Short Forum categories, wrapping up a vibrant celebration of cinematic art on Oct. 11.

Headlining the winners’ circle is Geneviève Dulude-De Celles’ critically praised feature “Nina Roza,” which claimed the prestigious Summit Award. The film centers on a protagonist who returns to his hometown for the first time in 28 years, drawn back by the lingering mystery surrounding a young artistic prodigy. The festival jury lauded the picture for its compassionate, deeply moving exploration of the immigrant experience, identity, and the universal human desire for belonging.

“We all know what it’s like to long for home,” the Summit jury said in a statement. “We were all enamored by this film’s direction, authentic performances, stunning cinematography, and evocative music.”

The competition for the Summit Award was fierce, with Ian Bawa’s compelling feature “Strong Son” also earning a well-deserved special mention from the jury for its striking narrative and character depth.

Celebrating Canadian Cinema and Environmental Resilience

In the Horizon Award category, the jury selected Nyla Innuksuk’s “In the Heart of the South,” celebrating it as a strong, vital example of contemporary Canadian cinema. The jury singled out the powerful lead performances delivered by Anna Lambe and Zorga Qaunaq, alongside the film’s polished cinematic approach and assured direction. Meanwhile, Nathan Donovan’s gritty feature “Clubfoot” captured the Horizon jury’s special mention, rounding out a strong category for emerging narrative features.

The Tides Award, which highlights stories connected to ecological preservation, community struggle, and land stewardship, went to Banchi Hanuse’s poignant documentary “Ceremony.” The feature documents the alarming disappearance of ooligan fish from Bella Coola and chronicles the Nuxalk Nation’s tireless efforts to protect and preserve their ancestral lands and waters.

“Through beautiful cinematography and inventive storytelling, the film documents the strengths of community members consistently challenging the boundaries of imposed systems while drawing upon the resilience and generosity of their ancestors,” the Tides jury noted.

The category also recognized Carol Nguyen’s evocative work “Still Night, Burning House,” which was honored with a special mention.

Spotlighting British Columbia Talent and International Vanguard Voices

Shifting focus to regional filmmaking, the Arbutus Award specifically honors outstanding achievements rooted in British Columbia. This year, the accolade was presented to Marie Clements for “How We Stand,” a deeply affecting story of sisters who are torn apart by tragedy. The jury praised the film for confronting difficult and traumatic history by bringing it into vivid, real, and human focus.

“Its surrealist style, deft storytelling, heart, and powerful heroines at once entertain, educate and demand self-reflection—as individuals, and as a society,” the Arbutus jury observed.

Adding to the regional showcase, Hayley Gray and Kaayla Whachell’s impactful feature “Send the Rain” earned a special mention from the Arbutus jury.

On the international front, the Vanguard Award went to Banu Sıvacı’s “Hear the Yellow.” The jury heaped praise on the film for its remarkable depth, originality, singular cinematic language, and emotional precision. According to the jury panel, the film succeeds through bold character work and an intelligent use of metaphor, effortlessly transporting audiences into a vividly specific landscape while fostering a powerful dialogue between rural and urban realities, as well as a family separated by time. Samuel Urbina’s visionary project “That Shadow Fading” received the Vanguard jury’s special mention.

In the realm of short-form filmmaking, the Short Forum Award was adjudicated to “Pre-Parenting,” an imaginative animated film crafted by Taiwan-based filmmaker Yu Yu. The competitive short category also saw a special mention awarded to Kamal Aljafari’s resonant short film “Going Home.”

The 2026 VIFF Juries

The comprehensive evaluation of this year’s slate was carried out by esteemed panels of industry professionals, filmmakers, and critics across each competitive section.

The Summit Award jury consisted of Rhia Aden, Nach Dudsdeemaytha, and Caitlyn Sponheimer. The Horizon Award was judged by Arjun Ayillath, Madeleine Davis, and Michael Mann. The Tides Award deliberations were led by Selwyn Jacob, Lyana Patrick, and Jeff Lee Petry.

Regional and international sections were similarly supported by dedicated experts. The Arbutus Award jury featured Josephine Anderson, Brenda Lieberman, and David Taylor. The Vanguard Award jury brought together Joaquin Cardoner, Caroline Monnet, and Sarah Shamash. Finally, the Short Film Award jury comprised Tanvi Bhatia, Ariel Bond, and Thanh Lieu.

With the conclusion of its 45th iteration, VIFF once again underscored its enduring commitment to championing bold cinematic voices, fostering meaningful discourse, and celebrating the rich tapestry of local and international storytelling.