Whistler Film Festival announces 2024 award winners

Really Happy Someday wins Borsos Award for best Canadian feature film

WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL has announced this year’s award winners. The top prize, the Borsos Award for best Canadian feature film, was presented to Really Happy Someday, directed by J Stevens, at a ceremony on December 8.

Named for legendary Canadian filmmaker Phillip Borsos, the Borsos Award for best Canadian feature is now in its 21st year. It comes with a $35,000 cash and in-kind prize.

The Borsos jury, comprised of Tatiana Maslany, Tantoo Cardinal, and Cory Bowes, described the film as “a voice of transition in transition”, noting that “through skillful storytelling, Really Happy Someday is an intimate journey through a loving family community that leads us to a deeper understanding and appreciation for the commitment necessary to align the body and soul, finding true peace.”

Really Happy Someday also won best screenplay of a Borsos competition film, going to Stevens and Breton Lalama.

A total of $188,500 in cash and production prizes was presented this year across 15 awards in seven juried film competitions, including the Power Pitch Competition and Screen BC Short Film Award.

The award for best B.C. director (sponsored by Directors Guild of Canada, B.C.) went to Simon Schneider and Sarah Sharkey Pearce for Resident Orca.

Best cinematography in a Borsos competition film (presented by ICG 669) went to Phoenixes by Ariane Falardeau St-Amour.

Best editing in a Borsos competition film was given to Maryam Goober and Maxime Mathis for Who Do I Belong To. The title’s Salha Nasraoui won best performance in a Borsos competition film.

Best direction of a Borsos competition film (sponsored by Directors Guild of Canada, B.C.) went to Phoenixes by Jonathan Beaulieu-Cyr.

The world documentary award went to Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted, directed by Isaac Gale, Ryan Olson, and David McMurry.

Best mountain culture short film (sponsored by Whistler Blackcomb) went to “Barefoot Pilot” directed by Leo Hoorn and Steve Henderson, while best mountain culture feature film (also sponsored by Whistler Blackcomb) went to Maya and the Wave, directed by Stephanie Johnes.

The Canadian ShortWork Award was given to “Hello Stranger” by Amélie Hardy; the International ShortWork Award went to “For Sale” by Stephen George; and the BC Student ShortWork Award (presented by Capilano University) went to “Body Varial” by Audrey Kerridge.

Finally, the EDA Award for best female-directed short was awarded to “Have I Swallowed Your Dreams” by Clara Chan while the EDA Award for best female-directed feature (presented by the Alliance of Women Film Journalists) went to Bob Trevino Likes It, directed by Tracie Laymon.

Audience awards will be unveiled on December 12.

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Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson is cofounder and associate editor of Stir. She is a Vancouver-based journalist who has earned local and national nominations and awards for her work. She is a certified Gladue Report writer via Indigenous Perspectives Society in partnership with Royal Roads University and is a member of a judging panel for top Vancouver restaurants.

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