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October 27, 2024

WIFF PRIZE IN CANADIAN FILM AWARDED TO WHO DO I BELONG TO AT THE 2024 WINDSOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The WIFF Prize in Canadian Film awards $25,000 to the director of the chosen film.


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October 27, 2024 – Windsor, ON – The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) is pleased to announce that the winner of the prestigious WIFF Prize in Canadian Film this year is Who Do I Belong To directed by Meryam Joobeur. The announcement was made at a private reception on Sunday, October 27 with representatives of the ten nominated films, jury members, and guests in attendance. 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 experts; Don McKellar, Actor/Filmmaker; Srimati Sen, Executive Director of Promotions, Sony Pictures Entertainment; Aisling Chin-Yee, Filmmaker; Joey Klein, Actor/Filmmaker; and Andrew Murphy, Co-Head & Artistic Director, Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival. All 10 nominated films were screened during WIFF’s opening weekend.

“The story of a family in rural Tunisia whose faith and loyalty are challenged when their missing son returns home with a dark secret,” said jury president Don McKellar. “This debut feature is a bold stylistic film that tells its story through layers of poetic imagery that culminate with a visceral impact. The jury is proud to award The WIFF Prize in Canadian Film to Who Do I Belong To by Meryam Joobeur.”

“We are very excited for Meryam. Her masterful storytelling and evocative imagery leaves audiences stirred and inspired by its fearless exploration of love, loss, and redemption,” said Vincent Georgie, Executive Director and Chief Programmer of WIFF. 

The other WIFF Prize nominees were Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story directed by Michael Mabbott & Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, Hunting Daze directed by Annick Blanc, Lucy Grizzli Sophie directed by Anne Émond, On Earth As In Heaven directed by Nathalie Saint-Pierre, Paying For It directed by Sook-Yin Lee, Really Happy Someday directed by J Stevens, Russians at War directed by Anastasia Trofimova, Sharp Corner directed by Jason Buxton, and Universal Language directed by Matthew Rankin.

“We are proud to celebrate the incredible work of filmmakers, whose unique voices and visions have brought us an unforgettable selection of films,” continued Georgie. “This year’s nominations reflect a remarkable diversity of stories, perspectives, and creative mastery, and we are thrilled to recognize the talent and dedication that went into each one.”

Past recipients of the WIFF Prize in Canadian Film include Ariane Louis-Seize (Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person, 2023), Anthony Shim (Riceboy Sleeps, 2022), and Myriam Verreault (Kuessipan, 2021).

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 2024 festival is proudly presented by the Toldo Foundation.

For more information please contact:

Erika Sanborn, Director of Marketing & Communications, Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF)

erika@windsorfilmfestival.com

519-790-9778

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