The 8th Annual Weengushk International Film Festival (WIFF) which took place July 11-14, 2024 on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario announced the award recipients. Marie Clements received two awards including Best Director and Best Screenplay for her epic film Bones of Crows; as did Cody Lightning – Best Narrative Feature Film and Best Actor for his mockumentary comedy film Hey, Viktor!.
Best Documentary Feature Film went to directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie for Sugarcane.
The WIFF Awards Gala included award presentations and a keynote address from Lakota poet, actor, songwriter, playwright Cliff Cardinal.
The Weengushk International Film Festival was founded by Dr. Shirley Cheechoo C.M., a distinguished filmmaker, artist, and advocate for Indigenous rights.
The 2024 WIFF Award Recipients include:
Best Director
Marie Clements, Bones of Crows
Best Documentary Feature Film
Sugarcane, Directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie
Best Screenplay
Marie Clements, Bones of Crows
Best Narrative Feature Film
Hey, Viktor!, Director Cody Lightning
Best Actor
Cody Lightning, Hey, Viktor!
Best Short Documentary Film
The Alexander Ball, Director Jessica Magro
Best Actor in a Student Film
Stitch
Best Student Film
My Furry Friend, Director Presley Meawasige
Special Jury Prize
Lakota Nation vs The United States, Directors Jesse Short Bull and Laura Tomaselli
Award of Excellence
Phil Fontaine
The Award of Excellence recognizes an individual who distinguished themselves as leaders or outstanding advocates by inspiring or instilling a culture of excellence in promoting Indigenous arts.
Blake Debassige Emerging Artist Award
Malia Mathias-Mizzi
Blake Debassige made it his priority to promote the arts especially to our young people because he believed that arts are reflective of our national soul. It is central to who we are as Anishnawbe, he would say. The Blake Debassige Emerging Artist Award is given to an emerging artist to carry on the Anishnawbe voice for the next generation in the arts.
Builders Award
Barbara Nolan
Merit Award
Gordon Whiskeychan
Our Special Recognition Builders and Merit Awards goes to an individual who builds on our local Manitoulin community; and who has supported Weengushk in more ways than one.
Clearing The Path Award
Harry Laforme
The Clearing the Path Award is presented to an individual who has taken bold steps to improve diversity and inclusion through an innovative approach that promotes and provides stifled youth voices in mainstream media.
Culture Enrichment Award
Tom Jackson
The Culture Enrichment Award recognizes a person that enriches ones view of cultural differences with an eye toward replacing bad ideas about others culture with well-informed ones and enhances awareness for the world to see.
Humanitarian Award
Mark Ruffalo
The Humanitarian Award recognizes an individual or group who actively engages in promoting the welfare and social advancement of the community and its youth.
Icon Award
Lorne Cardinal
Tom Wilson
Our Icon Awards are presented to an individual who has been instrumental in bringing music and arts to a wide audience.
Medicine Bundle Award
Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
A medicine bundle holds significant cultural and spiritual importance, representing a collection of sacred items used in various Indigenous traditions for healing, protection, and connection to the spiritual world.
Joshua Yesno Tribute Award
Billy Diamond
The Joshua Yesno Tribute Award is an award that honor’s an individual who overcame adversity, and has achieved great strides in the advancement of youth by providing opportunities to those whose voice is stifled in mainstream media.
Legendary Award
Matthew Coon Come
The Legendary Award goes to a person whose epic career is in its twilight. A person who has given dignity to their community. This person is more original and influential than just about anyone in their time.
Spirit Award
Daisy Bearskin
Our Special Recognition Spirit Award is to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of a person who is successful in the arts and for their many years of devoting their life to the community.
Youth of Distinction Award
Lourdes Taukei
Our Youth of Distinction Award recognizes an individual for their successful achievements.
Special Jury Distinction Award
Lily Gladstone
The Special Jury Distinction Award recognizes an individual or group’s exceptional contribution that stands out for its originality and impact. This accolade celebrates their innovative approach and significant influence on their field, setting a new benchmark for excellence. The recipient’s work has not only captivated the jury but also inspired peers and audiences alike.