Banchi Hanuse’s ‘Ceremony’ and ‘Hear the Yellow,’ directed by Banu Sıvacı, also take top honors Geneviève Dulude-De Celles’ “Nina Roza,” Nyla Innuksuk’s “In the Heart of the South” and Marie Clements’ “How We Stand” are among the films taking top honors at the 45th Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). The festival announced its 2026 juried awards winners on Wednesday night, recognizing films across its Summit, Horizon, Tides, Arbutus, Vanguard and Short Forum competitions. The Summit Award went to “Nina Roza,” directed by Dulude-De Celles, which the jury praised for its compassionate exploration of the immigrant experience, identity and belonging.
The film follows a protagonist returning to his hometown for the first time in 28 years, drawn back by the mystery surrounding a young artistic prodigy. For the Horizon Award, the jury selected Nyla Innuksuk’s “In the Heart of the South,” describing the film as a “strong example of Canadian cinema.” The jury praised its performances by Anna Lambe and Zorga Qaunaq and “polished cinematic approach.” Nathan Donovan’s “Clubfoot” received the Horizon jury’s special mention. Banchi Hanuse’s “Ceremony” scooped the The Tides Award for a feature about the disappearance of ooligan fish from Bella Coola and the Nuxalk Nation’s efforts to protect and preserve its lands and waters.
A special mention went to Carol Nguyen’s “Still Night, Burning House.” The Arbutus Award, which recognizes British Columbia filmmaking, went to Marie Clements’ “How We Stand,” a story of sisters separated by tragedy. The film confronts “difficult and traumatic history by bringing it into vivid, real, 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 jury noted.
Hayley Gray and Kaayla Whachell’s “Send the Rain” won a special mention. The Short Forum Award was adjudicated to “Pre-Parenting,” an animated film by Taiwan-based filmmaker Yu Yu, with a special mention scored by Kamal Aljafari’s “Going Home.” The juried awards come as VIFF wraps its 45th edition on Oct. 11. The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) 2026 Juries Summit Award: Rhia Aden, Nach Dudsdeemaytha, Caitlyn Sponheimer Horizon Award: Arjun Ayillath, Madeleine Davis, Michael Mann Tides Award: Selwyn Jacob, Lyana Patrick, Jeff Lee Petry Arbitus Award Jury: Josephine Anderson, Brenda Lieberman, David Taylor Vanguard Award Jury: Joaquin Cardoner, Caroline Monnet, Sarah Shamash Short Film Award Jury: Tanvi Bhatia, Ariel Bond, Thanh Lieu
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