Plus, inaugural Prize for WIFF Best Local Short Awarded
The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) is pleased to announce that the winner of the prestigious WIFF Prize in Canadian Film this year is Montreal, My Beautiful (Montréal, ma belle), directed by Xiaodan He. The announcement was made at a private reception on Sunday, October 26, 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. To celebrate, WIFF will present a free community screening of the film on Tuesday, October 28.
The winner was selected by a jury of industry experts; Charles Tremblay, Head of Market, TIFF; Chelsea McMullen, filmmaker; Manon Dumais, journalist, La Presse; Paul Barkin, producer; and Tanya Mason, Director of Theatrical and Digital Sales, Photon Films and Media. All 10 nominated films were screened during WIFF’s opening weekend.
“From the first scene, where a mother must rely on her daughter to translate the most vulnerable details of her own body, to its devastatingly elegant finale where she reclaims her voice, this film unfolds with a quiet confidence and emotional clarity that took our breath away,” said the WIFF Prize in Canadian Film jury. “Joan Chen gives a performance of extraordinary restraint and depth, embodying a woman whose complexity feels utterly lived in. With tenderness, humour, and fearless honesty, the film offers a love story that feels both timeless and new — one that resists familiar tropes in its portrayals of race, gender, and the immigrant experience. It is with great admiration and heartfelt appreciation that we present this award to Montreal, My Beautiful.”
“We are thrilled for Xiaodan He. Her film Montreal, My Beautiful is a heartfelt exploration of identity, culture, and human connection,” said Vincent Georgie, Executive Director and Chief Programmer of WIFF. “This award celebrates not only Xiaodan’s exceptional talent but also the vitality of Canadian cinema that continues to inspire audiences everywhere.”
The other WIFF Prize nominees were Compulsive Liar 2 (Menteuse), directed by Émile Gaudreault; The Cost Of Heaven (Gagne ton ciel), directed by Mathieu Denis; In Cold Light, directed by Maxime Giroux; Lovely Day (Mille secrets mille dangers), directed by Philippe Falardeau; Peak Everything (Amour apocalypse), directed by Anne Émond; The Pitch, directed by Michèle Hozer, Shamed; directed by Matt Gallagher, Two Women (Deux femmes en or) directed by Chloé Robichaud; and Where Souls Go (Où vont les âmes?), directed by Brigitte Poupart.
Past recipients of the WIFF Prize in Canadian Film include 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.
This morning, WIFF was also proud to announce the inaugural winner of the WIFF Best Local Short Prize, Click Bang Boom, directed by Michael J Krym. In support of the local filmmaking community WIFF has committed to an annual $3,000 prize. The nominees and winner were chosen by a group of industry colleagues.
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. windsorfilmfestival.com.
The 2025 festival will run from Thursday, October 23 to Sunday, November 2, 2025. The 2025 festival is proudly presented by the Toldo Foundation.
Tickets are on sale now. For tickets and more information, please visit windsorfilmfestival.com.
Stay in touch with WIFF via the festival’s Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, or by signing up to receive WIFF news via email by visiting windsorfilmfestival.com.
Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.
Read More
(October 24, 2025) WINDSOR, Ont. — The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) is grateful to the government of Ontario and the four funding programs...
Read More
ArtWorks: Where Culture Meets Commerce, examining the role of arts investment in driving economic and social outcomes
Read More
Discover great films from all around the world with Oscar-submitted films. Countries have the opportunity to submit a film to represent them at the...
Read MoreIMPORTANT: By using this website, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy.
