Ninan Aussat: We, the Children leads the winners for the 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). The festival announced the winners last night over social media. Directed by Kim O’Bomsawin, Ninan Aussat: We, the Children won the “Tides Award” for Best Canadian Documentary. The award carries a cash prize of $15,000, courtesy of the Rogers Group of Funds.
Ninan Aussat: We, the Children observes the lives of Indigenous children and teenagers in various communities. Featuring only the perspectives of young people, O’Bomsawin’s documentary lets the participants share their stories about daily life. The film is produced by the National Film Board of Canada and has its world premiere at VIFF on October 4.
Also taking home some prizes was Thea Loo’s documentary Inay (Mama). The doc won the “Arbutus Award” for Best British Columbia Film. The film, which had its Canadian premiere at VIFF, offers a personal exploration of Filipina women who came to Canada and became live-in caregivers to provide for their families back home. Inay (Mama) also received a special mention for the Tides Award, while Christopher Auchter’s documentary The Stand earned a special mention for the BC prize.
Meanwhile, Matthew Rankin’s Universal Language continued its winning streak on the festival circuit. The surreal comedy, which is Canada’s submission in the Oscar race for Best International Feature, won the “Summit Award” for Best Canadian Film. The film previously won prizes at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, TIFF, Calgary, and the Melbourne Film Festival.
The full list of VIFF winners is as follows:
Tides Award (Best Canadian Documentary): Ninan Aussat: We, the Children – Kim O’Bomsawin
-Special mention: Inay (Mama) – Thea Loo
Arbutus Award (Best BC Film): Inay (Mama) – The Loo
-Special mention: The Stand – Christopher Auchter
Summit Award (Best Canadian Film): Universal Language – Matthew Rankin
Horizon Award (Emerging Canadian Director): Mongrels – Jerome Yoo
-Special mention: Cats Cry – Sanja Živković
Vanguard Award: 78 Days – Emilija Gašić
-Special mention: Hanami – Denise Fernandes
Short Forum Award: Strawberry Shortcake – Deborah Devyn Chuang
-Special mention: Judas Icarus Twists His Wrist – Kerr Holden
