VIFF Just Dropped Its Big Winners! Get Ready for These Movies!

A golden film festival trophy with a film reel and spotlight in the background.
  • What’s hot at VIFF
  • The films everyone’s talking about
  • Why we’re excited

Finally, some news about incredible movies! The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) just announced its big winners, and wow, what a lineup. We are seriously buzzing.

Three films really stood out from the crowd. Geneviève Dulude-De Celles’ “Nina Roza,” Nyla Innuksuk’s “In the Heart of the South,” and Marie Clements’ “How We Stand” all grabbed top honors. Big wins for amazing stories.

“Nina Roza” tells an immigrant tale. So important, so real. Then there’s “In the Heart of the South,” described as ‘polished cinematic.’ What does that mean? We imagine super sleek shots, every frame looking just perfect. A really clean, crisp visual vibe. It sounds like something beautiful to watch.

And “How We Stand” is about separated sisters. Talk about a story that pulls at your heart! The festival named its 2026 juried awards winners on Wednesday night. They celebrated films across many cool sections like Summit, Horizon, and Tides. So many categories, so many great movies.

Our Take

These wins tell us something truly special. It’s clear that stories about new beginnings, deep connections, and tough journeys are really hitting home right now. These aren’t just pretty pictures. They are films that make you feel something.

It’s not about the flashy lights or big stars. It’s about the raw feelings and unique visual styles these directors bring to the screen. We can’t wait to dive into these worlds. We wonder which one will become your new favorite aesthetic!