Calgary, Canada – The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) has announced the winners of its 2024 awards, presenting over $60,000 in prizes to 12 distinguished films, with one receiving a significant opportunity for an Oscar nomination bypassing the usual theatrical requirements.
Among the high-profile winners was the short film “The Assistant,” directed by Pierre Llanos, which captured the Short Film Grand Jury Prize. This award notably simplifies the path for an Academy Award nomination by exempting it from standard theatrical screening obligations.
The festival’s top accolade for emerging Canadian talent was bestowed upon Matthew Rankin for his film “Universal Language.” Having already garnered attention as Canada’s submission for Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Academy Awards, the film has been lauded for its inventive and vivid storytelling that merges surrealism with cultural themes.
The CIFF’s RBC Emerging Canadian Artist Award jury praised “Universal Language” for its “unique blend of cultures and surreal storytelling,” noting its visually striking presentation and profound emotional impact. The film adeptly incorporates humor and absurdity into a poignant narrative about identity and belonging, resonating deeply with the jury.
Rankin expressed gratitude for the recognition from CIFF, highlighting the festival’s role in promoting Canadian cinema. “CIFF has been a heroic leader in championing Canadian cinema, and it is so encouraging and meaningful for us to be recognized by the Emerging Artist Jury Award,” said Rankin.
In the documentary categories, Lisa Jackson’s “Wilfred Buck” received the DGC Canadian Documentary Feature Award. The film, which combines poetry, social activism, personal history, and a unique perspective on science and the cosmos, was characterized by the CIFF jury as a “rare and powerful combination” that reimagines human narratives with underlying tones of joy and triumph despite its origins in anger and sadness.
“My Favourite Cake” directed by Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha clinched the Best International Narrative Feature Award, while “Black Box Diaries” by Shiori Ito was distinguished with the Best International Documentary Feature Award. Both pieces were recognized for their profound exploration of human themes; the former delves into love and connection, while the latter addresses survival and justice.
Additional accolades included the NBC Universal Youth by Youth Canada Award, which went to “Nix’s Symphony” by Karina Loerchner. This award not only brings a $1,000 cash prize but also an up to $18,000 scholarship to Vancouver Film School, supporting the next generation of filmmakers.
Tasha Hubbard’s “Singing Back the Buffalo” also received an honorable mention in the documentary feature category, further highlighting the diversity and depth of issues addressed by filmmakers at this year’s festival.
CIFF 2024 showcased a robust collection of films across various categories, including live-action, animated, documentary, experimental, and specific awards for Alberta short films. Winners spanned titles such as “Some Kind of Paradise,” “The Miracle,” “Hello Stranger,” “Corpus and the Wandering,” and “Last Summer.”
For further details on all of the winners and the esteemed jury members, information can be accessed through the official CIFF website, ensuring film enthusiasts and industry professionals can explore the breadth of talent and creativity displayed at this year’s festival.