Calgary, AB – September 25, 2023: The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) has unveiled the 2023 Jury Award winners, selected by a distinguished panel of 17 esteemed figures within the global film community. These awards honor the most exceptional feature and short films showcased until October 1, 2023.
CIFF has allocated an impressive $60,000 CAD in cash and prizes, along with an opportunity for one outstanding short film to contend in the Academy Awards. This year’s victors have been unveiled, and they shine brightly on the cinematic horizon.
2023 Calgary International Film Festival Jury Award Winners
RBC Emerging Canadian Artist Award ($10,000 CAD)
This esteemed accolade, presented by RBC, celebrates the Canadian director responsible for crafting the finest first or second narrative feature film. The discerning jury comprised Andrew Connors, Michelle Thrush, and Lindsay MacKay.
The Grand Jury Prize goes to “HUMANIST VAMPIRE SEEKING CONSENTING SUICIDAL PERSON,” helmed by Ariane Louis-Seize. This film’s unique blend of comedy, drama, and horror, executed with remarkable finesse by the emerging filmmaker, captured the jury’s hearts both emotionally and cinematically.
Special Jury Prizes:
- “HEY, VIKTOR!” directed by Cody Lightning.
- “ASOG,” directed by Sean Devlin.
Air Canada Canadian Narrative Feature Award ($5,000 CAD)
This prestigious distinction, presented by Air Canada, recognizes the Canadian director behind the most exceptional narrative feature film. Jury members Andrew Connors, Michelle Thrush, and Lindsay MacKay undertook the selection process.
The Grand Jury Prize honors “SUZE,” directed by Linsey Stewart & Dane Clark. This film’s skillfully depicted characters and intricate relationships offered a delightful viewing experience, blending sympathy and humor in its exploration of different generations.
Jury Prize for Lead Performance:
- Ariane Castellanos in “RICHELIEU.”
Jury Prize for Supporting Performance:
- Charlie Gillespie in “SUZE.”
DGC Canadian Documentary Feature Award ($5,000 CAD)
Bestowed by the Directors Guild of Canada, this award acknowledges the Canadian director responsible for creating the finest documentary feature. The discerning jury consisted of Jon Joffe, Elizabeth Klinck, and Laura O’Grady.
The Grand Jury Prize acknowledges “SWAN SONG,” directed by Chelsea McMullan, as an impressive performance documentary that defies convention with its cinema verité approach, focusing on captivating characters and making bold choices that resonate with today’s audience.
Special Jury Prize:
“SUMMER QAMP,” directed by Jen Markowitz.
Best International Narrative Feature Award ($1,000 CAD)
This esteemed distinction goes to the international director responsible for crafting the finest narrative cinema from around the world. Jury members Trond Trondsen, Natalie Metzger, and Michelle Morgan lent their expertise to the selection process.
The Grand Jury Prize celebrates “ANIMALIA,” directed by Sofia Alaoui, for its compelling storytelling, gripping imagery, and thought-provoking exploration of social class and women’s roles in society.
Special Jury Prize for Performance:
- Elliot Page in “CLOSE TO YOU,” directed by Dominic Savage.
Special Jury Prize for Director:
- “20,000 SPECIES OF BEES,” directed by Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren.
International Documentary Feature Award ($1,000 CAD)
This distinction is awarded to the international director responsible for creating the most captivating non-fiction cinema from around the world. Jury members Alex Eskandarkha, Sean Patrick Shaul, and Anastasiia Gushchina meticulously made their selection.
The Grand Jury Prize goes to “BETWEEN THE RAINS,” directed by Moses Thuranira and Andrew H. Brown. This immersive coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of climate change juxtaposes the beauty of Kenyan landscapes with the raw realities of local communities’ traditional lifestyles.
Special Jury Prize:
- “GREAT PHOTO, LOVELY LIFE,” directed by Amanda Mustard & Rachel Beth Anderson.
Shorts in Competition
A panel of experts including Ryan Von Hagen, Robert Hilton, Benjamin Howar, Natalie Vargas, and Brock Davis Mitchell undertook the selection process for all Shorts Awards.
Short Film Grand Jury Prize ($2,500 CAD):
- “PALM SUNDAY,” directed by Wes Andre Goodrich.
NBCUniversal Alberta Short Film Devon Bolton Memorial Award ($1,000 CAD)
Coupled with a $10,000 Gift Card from William F. White International, Inc. toward the winner’s next project.
The Grand Jury Prize honors “MONSTR,” directed by Tank Standing Buffalo.
Special Jury Prize:
- “CONVICTION,” directed by Bruce Thomas Miller.
NBCUniversal Youth by Youth Canada Short Film Award ($1,000 CAD)
The recipient also receives up to an $18,000 scholarship to Vancouver Film School and a $2,500 Gift Card from William F. White International, Inc. toward their next project.
The Grand Jury Prize goes to “OPERATION CARL,” directed by Sandra Hurd.
Special Jury Prize for Cinematography:
- “ONLY YOU,” directed by James Duric.
Live Action Short Film Award ($1,000 CAD)
The Grand Jury Prize is awarded to “DEATH TO THE BIKINI!,” directed by Justine Gauthier.
Best Animated Short Film Award ($1,000 CAD)
The Grand Jury Prize goes to “BOAT PEOPLE,” directed by Thao Lam & Kjell Boersma.
Documentary Short Film Award ($1,000 CAD)
The Grand Jury Prize celebrates “THE LAST REPAIR SHOP,” directed by Ben Proudfoot & Kris Bowers.
Student Short Film Award ($1,000 CAD)
The Grand Jury Prize goes to “SIMONE,” directed by Aisha Amin.
Youth by Youth Canada Short Film Award ($500 CAD)
The Grand Jury Prize celebrates “OPERATION CARL,” directed by Sandra Hurd.
Special Jury Award for Cinematography:
- “ONLY YOU,” directed by James Duric.
BARCODE XR Award for Outstanding Experience:
- “A HIGHLAND SONG” by inkle Ltd.
An awards ceremony to announce these winners is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. MDT on Monday, September 25, at the Be Kind, Unwind Lounge, located at Eau Claire Market’s Centre Court. Media representatives are cordially invited to join us for photographs and interviews.
Stay tuned for the highly anticipated 2023 CIFF AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS, PRESENTED BY TELUS.
These awards, determined by the festival’s enthusiastic audience, celebrate the best of the fest. Most films in the festival are eligible for Audience Awards, which are based on collective audience ballots from both online and in-cinema screenings. The winning films will be announced post-festival.
