#FIRSTLOOK: WINDSOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REVEALS THE 10 FILMS NOMINATED FOR PRESTIGIOUS WIFF PRIZE IN CANADIAN FILM

The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) is proud to announce the 10 films nominated for the prestigious WIFF Prize in Canadian Film. This distinguished accolade celebrates outstanding achievement in Canadian cinema, and the director of the chosen film will receive a cash prize of $25,000. WIFF takes place October 29 to November 8, 2026.

All 10 nominees will screen at the Festival this fall, and the winner, selected by an independent jury of industry professionals, will be announced on November 1.

The nominees for the 2026 WIFF Prize in Canadian Film are:

Ba’s Book, directed by Ashley Duong

Haunted, directed by Rafaël Ouellet

Julián, directed by Louise Bagnall

Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney, directed by Matthew Rankin

Nekai Walks, directed by Rico King

Neverman, directed by Rodrigo Barriuso

Nina Roza, directed by Geneviève Dulude-Decelles

Pauline, directed by Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette

Run Terry Run, directed by Sean Menard

You Will Be Free, directed by Bachir Bensaddek

“This year’s WIFF Prize nominees reflect the exceptional creativity, diversity, and ambition of Canadian filmmakers,” said Vincent Georgie, Executive Director and Chief Programmer, WIFF. “These 10 films offer a range of stories and perspectives, and we’re delighted to give our audiences the chance to discover some of the country’s most exciting talents.”

Past recipients of the WIFF Prize in Canadian Film include Montreal, My Beautiful (Montréal, ma belle), directed by Xiaodan He, 2025; Who Do I Belong To, directed by Meryam Joobeur, 2024; Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (Vampire humaniste cherche suicidaire consentant), directed by Ariane Louis-Seize, 2023; Riceboy Sleeps, directed by Anthony Shim, 2022; and Kuessipan, directed by Myriam Verreault, 2019.

WIFF is a cultural, charitable organization that celebrates the art of cinema by showcasing Canadian and international film and filmmakers. Delivering exceptional experiences through film, WIFF strengthens and enriches the community while promoting the creative economy. WIFF2026.com.

The 2026 festival is proudly presented by the Toldo Foundation.