Since its inception over 30 years ago (1989), Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival continues to seek out and showcase high-calibre film programming, to passionate and enthusiastic audiences, over its 9-day festival. Recognized as a premiere film event in Canada, hosting 35,000 attendees annually, Cinefest Sudbury celebrates and promotes diverse cultural exchange and open-mindedness, with a commitment of sharing the best international and domestic programming to a broad audience of film lovers, filmmakers and industry delegates.
As part of its feature film, short, and documentary programmes, Cinefest Sudbury focuses on artistic quality and excellence, looking for films that represent diverse voices and experiences, providing a platform for film artists to relay the stories they wish to tell. Of special note, the festival hosts broadened programs spotlighting works from Indigenous and Francophone filmmakers. Cinefest Sudbury also provides filmmakers with the unique opportunity to reach a wider audience as it hosts upwards of 60 programmers annually from other smaller domestic festivals attending with the intention of selecting films to screen in their home communities once released.
As of 2020, Cinefest offers both virtual and in-person film programming; submitted films may be considered to stream virtually via Eventive.
Outstanding Canadian Feature Film Award ($15,000 cash prize)
• 2021 winner — All My Puny Sorrows, directed by Michael McGowan
Outstanding International Feature Film Award ($10,000 cash prize)
• 2021 winner — Official Competition (Competencia oficial), directed by Mariano Cohn & Gastón Duprat
Outstanding Female-Led Feature Film Award ($2,500 cash prize)
• 2021 winner — Mothering Sunday, directed by Eva Husson
Inspiring Voices & Perspectives Feature Film Award ($2,500 cash prize)
• 2021 co-winner — Dear Future Children, directed by Franz Böhm
• 2021 co-winner — Kímmapiiyipitssini: The Meaning of Empathy, directed by Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers
Cinema Indigenized Outstanding Talent Award ($2,500 cash prize)
• 2021 winner — Wildhood, directed by Bretten Hannam
French Language Feature Film Award ($2,500 cash prize)
• 2021 winner — Souterrain (Underground), directed by Sophie Dupuis
Outstanding Short Film Award ($1,500 cash prize)
• 2021 winner — Pipo et l'amour aveugle (Pipo and Blind Love), directed by Hugo Le Gourrierec
Outstanding Emerging Canadian Short Film Award ($1,000 cash prize)
• 2021 winner — Talk, directed by Trivelle Simpson
Outstanding Animated Short Film Award ($1,000 cash prize)
• 2021 winner — Itchy the Camel: Rakes, directed by Anders Beer & PH Dallaire
Audience Choice Award: Best Feature
• 2021 winner — Le club vinland (The Vinland Club), directed by Benoit Pilon
Audience Choice Award: Best Documentary
• 2021 winner — Hell or Clean Water, directed by Cody Westman
Audience Choice Award: Best Short
• 2021 winner — The Robbery, directed by Nika Belianina