VSFF 2016 Winners

The VANCOUVER SHORT FILM FEST (VSFF) announces the Award Winners of their 6th annual festival that was held on January 29th and 30th, 2016, at Vancity Theatre.

23 short films were selected from over 180 submissions. After a careful selection by a jury of 3 established industry professionals: Aaron Bushkowsky, Nicholas Humphries, and Kat Montagu, 10 films brought home the following 12 awards:

William F. White International Inc. Award for BEST SHORT FILM Prize: $5000 in rentals at William F. White International Inc. WINNER: The Blue Jet Statement: The William F White Award for best short film goes to The Blue Jet, which is one of those rare short films that not only stands the test of time but gives us a sense of time – in a world where music and how you look – could determine your fate and freedom. It’s well written and nicely directed with precise performances and a wonderful ending. This short film has the thematic density lacking in many feature films. It’s a treat to watch.

Clairmont Camera Inc. Award for BEST STUDENT SHORT FILM Prize: $5000 in rentals at Clairmont Camera Inc. WINNER: Arc Statement: The winner for this year's Clairmont Camera Inc. Award for Best Student Short Film has an ambitious structure with three interwoven stories, which come together tragically at the end. It shows great strength in writing, acting, directing, cinematography and editing, so we are very proud to announce the best student short film: Arc.

Langara College Award for BEST DIRECTOR Prize $500 cash WINNER: Lawrence Le Lam for The Blue Jet Statement: A good director shoots their vision. A great director also evokes the best performances not only from their cast, but from every member of their crew. Because of the quality of work from every department and execution of a singular, harmonious vision, we are proud to give The Langara College Award for Best Director to Lawrence Le Lam for The Blue Jet.

Women in Film and Television Award for BEST FEMALE DIRECTOR Prize: 1 free entry into WIFTV Networking Breakfast, 1 WIFTV workshop admission, 2016 Women in Film Festival Pass WINNER: Lantian Chen for My Least Favourite Person Statement: The winner for Women in Film and Television's award for Best Female Director takes what feels like an intensely personal story - about a naturally heroic child bullied into submission by a teacher - and makes it universal. Lantian Chen's short film My Least Favourite Person revives the sense of outrage we all feel before the world around us dulls our natural sense of justice. We especially commend Chen's skill in directing child actors to give such naturalistic and moving performances.

VSFF Award for BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Prize: $250 in rentals at Gearhouse Rentals, $100 gift certificate to Donnelly Group Pubs and dinner with award winning DOP Brendan Uegama WINNER: Never Steady, Never Still Statement: Great cinematography should show technical mastery, originality and innovation, and artistry and vision. But like editing, cinematography should add to, not overshadow the content. For it’s subtle, emotionally motivated and personal approach, The VSFF Award for Best Cinematography goes to Never Steady, Never Still by Jeremy Cox and Ryan Flowers.

VSFF Award for BEST ACTOR FEMALE Prize: $250 cash donated by UBCP/ACTRA, Vancity Photography headshot session, Skoah fitskin facial WINNER: Lee Meriwether in In Memory ​Honourable Mention to Tina Hedman in Never Steady, Never Still Statement: First we would like to give an honourable mention for Tina Hedman's beautiful supporting performance in Never Steady, Never Still. But the winner of this year's VSFF Award for Best Actor- Female is Lee Meriwether. As the lead in the short sci fi film In Memory, which examines the outcome of potential future legislation about euthanasia, Meriwether elevates these thought-provoking scenes towards an emotional crescendo that makes her journey relatable and relevant for us all.

VSFF Award for BEST ACTOR MALE Prize: $250 cash donated by UBCP/ACTRA, Vancity Photography headshot session, Skoah fitskin facial WINNER: Howie Lai in The Blue Jet Statement: The VSFF award for Best Actor- Male goes to Howie Lai, whose performance in The Blue Jet shows nuance, depth and humour. In a very short time, Howie gave the audience an idea of time, place, and context in a world where freedom of choice was never an option. A memorable and interesting performance makes this character vivid and complex.

Canadian Cinema Editors Award for BEST EDITING Prize: $300 cash, 1 CCE membership WINNER: Imperial Statement: Editing is a complicated and intricate art form. An editor must not only have a grasp on an evolving technical workflow but like the director, are a key voice in the visual storytelling of a film. Because of his rhythm, minute attention to shot selection and seamless cross cutting between dreamscapes and reality, The Canadian Cinema Editors Award for Best Editing goes to Ian MacDonald for Imperial.

Zoic VFX Award for BEST VISUAL EFFECTS Prize: $500 cash WINNER: Michi Statement: The Zoic VFX Award for Best Visual Effects goes to a film where digital imagery is a visible, essential, and integral part of the storytelling process. For its artistry and skill in the use of mixed media animation the winner is Michi by Kaho Yoshida.

VSFF Award for BEST SOUND DESIGN Prize: 1 half day mix at [Root]Chord Sound WINNER: Hallow Statement: Half of any film experience is sound but this is never more important than in horror. For it’s dynamic, layered and creepy soundscape, the VSFF Award for Best Sound Design goes to Hallow.

Raindance Vancouver Award for UNDERDOG FILM Prize: 1 Raindance membership, 1 Raindance workshop admission WINNER: Vehicular Romanticide Statement: Raindance Vancouver is proud to once again be a Vancouver Short Film Festival Community Partner. This year, to show our continuous support for the budding talent in Vancouver's indie filmmaking community, we took our partnership one step further. With the support of the VSFF, we will celebrate a nominated filmmaker with "The Underdog Award," which includes a 1 year Raindance Premium membership and 1 free workshop (winner's choice) with Raindance Vancouver. Our team picked the short that has demonstrated the most creative potential and touched our souls through its story. We're proud to present Andrew Rowe with "The Underdog Award" by Raindance Vancouver for his short Vehicular Romanticide. We are looking forward to seeing Rowe's future work.

VSFF AUDIENCE CHOICE Prize: Treat Yourself Spa Package from Dona Lucia Aesthetics Salon, 2 tickets to the Crazy8s Film Gala WINNER: Not A Stranger