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At the 45th Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), ‘Nina Rosa’ directed by Genevieve Duluth-de Seles, ‘In the Heart of the South’ directed by Naila Inuksuk, and ‘How We Stand’ directed by Marie Clements won the grand prize.
The festival announced the 2026 Jury Prize winners Wednesday night, which recognizes films across the Summit, Horizon, Tides, Arbutus, Vanguard and Short Forum competitions.
The Summit Award went to “Nina Roza,” directed by Dulude-De Celles. The judges praised the work for its compassionate exploration of immigrant experiences, identity and belonging. The film tells the story of the protagonist who returns to his hometown after 28 years, drawn by the mystery surrounding a young artistic genius. “We all know what it’s like to miss home. We were all captivated by this film’s direction, authentic performances, incredible cinematography and moving music,” the jury said.
Ian Bawa’s ‘Strong Son’ received special mention.
At the Horizon Awards, the jury chose Nyla Innuksuk’s “In the Heart of the South,” describing the film as “a powerful example of Canadian cinema.” The judges praised Anna Lambe and Zorga Qaunaq’s performances and their “sophisticated cinematic approach.”
“Clubfoot” by Nathan Donovan received a special mention from the Horizon judges.
Banchi Hanuse’s “Ceremony” won The Tides Award for its feature on the disappearance of Oregon fish in Bella Coola and the Nuxalk Nation’s efforts to protect and preserve its lands and waters. “Through beautiful cinematography and original storytelling, the film documents the strengths of community members who continue to challenge the boundaries of imposed systems while harnessing the resilience and generosity of their ancestors,” the judges said.
Particular mention was made of Carol Nguyen’s “Still Night, Burning House.”
The Arbutus Award, which recognizes filmmaking in British Columbia, went to Marie Clements’ “How We Stand,” the story of sisters separated by tragedy. The jury said the film “addresses difficult and shocking history with a vivid, realistic and human focus. Its surrealist style, deft storytelling, heart and strong female protagonist simultaneously entertain, educate and require self-reflection as individuals and as a society.”
“Send the Rain” by Hayley Gray and Kaayla Whachell received special mention.
“Hear the Yellow,” directed by Banu Sıvacı, won the Vanguard Award, praised for its “incredible depth,” “originality,” “unifying cinematic language,” and “emotional precision.” “Through bold character work and intelligent use of metaphor, it transports us into vivid, concrete landscapes while creating a powerful dialogue between the countryside and the city, and between families separated by time,” the judges said.
“That Shadow Fading” by Samuel Urbina received a Vanguard Special Mention.
The Short Forum Award went to Taiwanese filmmaker Yu Yu’s animated film “Pre-Parenting,” while a special mention went to Kamal Aljafari’s “Going Home.”
The Jury Awards took place as VIFF concluded its 45th edition on October 11.
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) 2026 Jury
Summit Awards: Leah Aden, Nach Douzdimaita, Caitlin Sponheimer
On the horizon: Arjun Aylas, Madeline Davis, Michael Mann
Assistant Award: Selwyn Jacob, Lianna Patrick, Jeff Lee Petrie
Arbitus Award Jury: Josephine Anderson, Brenda Lieberman, David Taylor
Vanguard Award Jury: Joaquin Cardoner, Caroline Monet, Sarah Shamash
Short Film Award judges: Tanvi Bhatia, Ariel Bond, Tan Liu