#FIRSTLOOK: WINDSOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE 2026 WINNERS

The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) is pleased to announce that the winner of the prestigious WIFF Prize in Canadian Film this year is Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney, directed by Matthew Rankin. The announcement was made at a private reception on Sunday, November 1, with representatives of the nominated films, jury members, and guests in attendance. Celebrating outstanding achievement in Canadian cinema, the prize carries a cash value of $25,000 and is awarded to the director of the film.

The winner was selected by a jury of industry professionals: Michael Mabbott, filmmaker; Chris Knight, film critic; Danish Vahidy, Vice President, Marketing at Mongrel Media; Rachel Ho, film critic; and Barbara Ulrich, actress and filmmaker. All 10 nominated films were screened during WIFF’s opening weekend and the winning film will be screened for free on Monday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Armouries – Sheehan Hall.

“For its absolute originality, uniquely Canadian voice, and intelligence and humour, we’re pleased to present the 2026 WIFF Prize in Canadian Film to Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney,” said the WIFF Prize in Canadian Film jury. “In this film, Matthew Rankin has created surrealistic historical deconstruction and reconstruction, a political satire that plays like a political thriller. It refuses all conventional biopic tropes while painting an evocative and informative picture of our past using, and beautifully abusing, our shared iconography and soundscapes. We also want to acknowledge the astounding work of archive producer Marika Lapointe, who utilized over 80,000 pieces of archival material to create a beautiful fever dream. Congratulations to Matthew Rankin and his entire team for creating a timely and important piece of gonzo journalism, and a timeless work of art.”

“It’s been an incredible weekend kicking off WIFF’s 2026 edition and celebrating our ten WIFF Prize in Canadian Film nominees,” said Vincent Georgie, Executive Director and Chief Programmer of WIFF. “We’re proud to honour Matthew Rankin’s incredibly impressive, thought-provoking, and brain-breaking film, Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney. With great thanks to our committed and thoughtful jury.”

The other 2026 WIFF Prize nominees were Ba’s Book, directed by Ashley Duong; Haunted, directed by Rafaël Ouellet; Julián, directed by Louise Bagnall; 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.

Past recipients of the WIFF Prize in Canadian Film include: Montreal, My Beautiful, directed by Xiaodan He, 2025; Who Do I Belong To, directed by Meryam Joobeur, 2024; Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person, 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.

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