The Gimli Film Festival wrapped up Sunday and set some new records to conclude the 19th annual event on the shores of Lake Winnipeg.
Organizers say indoor attendance saw a 15 percent increase (6,181) over the 2018 festival and grew to more than 13,000 for the entire festival. Pass sales increased by 10 percent from 2018 and for the first time, the festival sold out of all 150 Film Passes.
The film festival crowned the Best of Fest – Audience Choice award to “nipawistamasowin: We Will Stand Up” with director Tasha Hubbard.
The GFF Grand Jury Prize went to international documentary “Midnight Family.” This film follows the Ochoa family, who own and operate an independent for-profit ambulance in Mexico City.
Saturday night’s GFF Awards Ceremony recognized Manitoban, Canadian and International filmmakers. This year’s Alda Award was presented to famed actress with Winnipeg roots, Wendy Crewson. The Alda Award recognizes an outstanding filmmaker or actor from the circumpolar nations. The Jack Clements’ “Livin’ the Dream” Award was presented to outgoing Manitoba Film & Music’s CEO & Film Commissioner, Carole Vivier.
Mike Maryniuk won Best Manitoban Director for his film “The Goose.” ACTRA Manitoba presented Adam Brooks, Matthew Kennedy and Connor Sweeney (Chowboys: An American Folk Tale) for Best Male Performance and Best Female Performance was presented to Nancy Sorel, for her role in the short film Platypus.
ChrisD.ca was once again proud to be a media sponsor of this year’s festival.
