RHYMES FOR YOUNG GHOULS by Jeff Barnaby and THAT BURNING FEELING by Jason James tied to win the Best Canadian First Feature Award at the just wrapped Vancouver International Film Festival which took place September 26 – October 11, 2013. The jury commented, “These two films share storytelling of equal high quality but are so different in terms of genre, tone and creative expression that the jury decided to honour them both.”
RHYMES FOR YOUNG GHOULS is described by the festival as a very powerful and beautifully produced film, with a stellar cast and excellent photography and design. Depicting the aftereffects of the trauma inflicted by residential schools on the First Nations population, it also succeeds in telling a universal and touching story of an oppressed people trying to survive, rebuild and come to terms with their suffering. Using a highly creative vocabulary, from realistic to metaphorical, from fantastic to poetic, Jeff Barnaby demonstrates a promising and already impressive talent as a filmmaker.
THAT BURNING FEELING is noted as one of the best comedies the jury has seen in a long time. With a witty, smart and highly-articulate script, a talented cast and beautiful production, it makes for a wonderful self-deprecating portrait of Vancouver, with its condo maniacs, yoga lovers, community activists and other odd characters. While making us laugh along the way, it tells the human story of trying to find authenticity in a crazy world. Jason James is a rising filmmaker to watch with his wit, keen eye and intelligence.
Other awards
THE MOST PROMISING DIRECTOR OF A CANADIAN SHORT FILM AWARD
Mathieu Arsenault, NATHAN
WOMEN IN FILM + TELEVISION ARTISTIC MERIT AWARD
Chloé Robichaud, SARAH PREFERS TO RUN
AUDIENCE AWARD WINNERS
Rogers People’s Choice Award
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON (Director: Koreeda Hirokazu)
VIFF Most Popular Canadian Documentary Award
WHEN I WALK (Director: Jason DaSilva)
VIFF Most Popular Canadian Environmental Documentary Award
SALMON CONFIDENTIAL (Director: Twyla Roscovich)
VIFF Most Popular Canadian Feature Film Award
DOWN RIVER (Director: Ben Ratner)
VIFF Most Popular International Documentary
DESERT RUNNERS (Director: Jennifer Steinman)
VIFF Most Popular First Feature
WADJDA (Director: Haifaa Al Mansour)
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