VIFF 2026 Award Winners

Best Narrative Feature

JAMEELA 

Directed by Zainab Malik & Mina Isabella JafriMalik

Best Documentary Feature

YAPs

Directed by Miriam Gordon-Stewart 

Best Animated Student Short

“Untamed” 

Directed by Gleryxbelle Feliciano Ramos

Best Comedy Short

“Cardboard”  

Directed by Julie Hoang 

Best Dramatic Short

“Repercussion(s)” 

Directed by Kelsey Nerrie

Best Experimental Short

“Ant Girl” 

Directed by Amanda Besl

Best Horror Short

“Telaraña” 

Directed by Nicola Ríos 

Best WNY Horror

“The Showffeür” 

Directed by Taylor Martin 

Best WNY Short

“COSMOS” 

Directed by Gabrielle Nunzio & Marissa Graves

Best Student Short

“Mulata” 

Directed by Yarilis Ramos López

Best WNY Student Short

“FIREBALL” 

Directed by TK James 

Best Music Video

“I am not afraid” 

Directed by Ilana Alazzeh 

Surprise Awards

Best Horror Comedy

“House Haunting” 

Directed by Allison Courtney

Best Documentary Short

“My Long Covid Story” 

Directed by Sabrina Peña Young

Best International Short

“Home” 

Directed by Sara Mokhavat 

Best International Documentary Short

“Miriam” 

Directed by Karla Condado

Best First Time Filmmaker

“Manic” 

Directed by Amelia Favata

Best Dystopian Film

“Los Changos” 

Directed by Gala Rodríguez Belén

Wake the Frigg Up

“Eviction.” 

Directed by Ashes Homon-Rahall  

Raising Hel Award

“Babysitting the Demons on Maple Street” 

Directed by Amanda Woomer

Best Proof of Concept Film

“We Can Never Go Back” 

Directed by Aminah Hughes

Social Impact Award

“Recao” 

Directed by Dayra Ferrera 

Valkyrie Spirit Award

“Wooly Bully” 

Directed by Kristen Buckels Cantrell 

Best of the Fest

“Georgina” 

Directed by Ana Marazzi