'Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person' Wins Top Grand Jury Prize at Calgary Int'l Film Festival

Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person directed by Ariane Louis-Seize won the Grand Jury Prize – Emerging Canadian Artist Award at the 2023 Calgary International Film Festival. The film stars Sara Montpetit as Sasha, a teenage vampire who struggles with the morality of killing people for their blood.

The jury commented, “With a singular vision and strong performances, Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person’s mixture of comedy, drama, and horror was handled with impressive skill by this exciting emerging filmmaker! The jury was drawn into and excited by her world and characters both emotionally and cinematically.”

Suze directed by Linsey Stewart and Dane Clark won the Grand Jury Prize – Canadian Narrative Feature Award. The film stars Michaela Watkins as Suze, a woman whose feelings of empty nest syndrome after her daughter moves away to attend university lead her to become a doting mother figure to her daughter’s ex-boyfriend Gage even though she never liked him at all when they were dating.

The jury commented, “The well-drawn characters and relationships were such a pleasure to watch unfold. Its exploration of generations was both sympathetic and hilariously accurate. The unexpected arcs and relationships were exciting to watch. The jury enjoyed the journey of the family dynamics with both its humor and heart.”

Swan Song directed by Chelsea McMullan won the Grand Jury Prize – Canadian Documentary Feature Award. The film profiles National Ballet of Canada artistic director and former dancer Karen Kain as she directs a production of Swan Lake for the company as her final project before retiring.

Th jury commented, “This is a truly impressive performance documentary that moves away from traditional tropes with a cinema verité approach focusing on fantastic characters. The filmmaker’s inspired choices make it a documentary for today and tomorrow.”

Complete list of winners of 2023 Calgary International Film Festival

RBC Emerging Canadian Artist Award ($10,000 CAD)

Grand Jury Prize: HUMANIST VAMPIRE SEEKING CONSENTING SUICIDAL PERSON, directed by Ariane Louis-Seize

Special Jury Prizes:
HEY, VIKTOR!, directed by Cody Lightning
ASOG, directed by Sean Devlin

Air Canada Canadian Narrative Feature Award ($5,000 CAD)

Grand Jury Prize: SUZE, directed by Linsey Stewart & Dane Clark

Jury Prize for Lead Performance:
Ariane Castellanos in RICHELIEU

Jury Prize for Supporting Performance:
Charlie Gillespie in SUZE

DGC Canadian Documentary Feature Award ($5,000 CAD)

Grand Jury Prize: SWAN SONG, directed by Chelsea McMullan

Special Jury Prize: SUMMER QAMP, directed by Jen Markowitz

Best International Narrative Feature Award ($1,000 CAD)

Grand Jury Prize: ANIMALIA, directed by Sofia Alaoui

This film draws you in with an urgency of storytelling and riveting imagery. The blending of the spiritual and the otherworldly is at once gripping and nuanced.

Its commentary on social class and women’s place in society combined with beautiful cinematography, impressive world-building, and visceral and organic visual effects, creates a stunning first feature that demands attention.

Special Jury Prize for Performance:
Elliot Page in CLOSE TO YOU, directed by Dominic Savage

Special Jury Prize for Director:
20,000 SPECIES OF BEES, directed by Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren

International Documentary Feature Award ($1,000 CAD)

Grand Jury Prize: BETWEEN THE RAINS, directed by Moses Thuranira, Andrew H. Brown

BETWEEN THE RAINS offers a compelling coming-of-age story against the backdrop of a microcosm of climate change. The film creates a juxtaposition between the stunning beauty of Kenyan landscapes and raw realities of the local communities’ traditional lifestyle. BETWEEN THE RAINS is an immersive verité experience that the audience will never forget.

Special Jury Prize:
GREAT PHOTO, LOVELY LIFE, directed by Amanda Mustard & Rachel Beth Anderson