‘Universal Language’ Named Best Canadian Movie at Vancouver International Film Festival

Winnipeg filmmaker Matthew Rankin’s "Universal Language," an absurdist dramedy, won the prestigious $15,000 Summit Award for Best Canadian Film at this year’s Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). The award was announced on Wednesday by a jury of industry leaders.

Other top winners include Ninan Auassat: We, the Children, by Abenaki director Kim O’Bomsawin, which earned the Tides Award for Best Canadian Documentary, and Inay (Mama) by Thea Loo, which won the Arbutus Award for Best B.C. Film, along with a $15,000 post-production credit. Loo's documentary sheds light on the impacts of Canada’s live-in caregiver program.

Earlier this year, Universal Language was selected as Canada’s official entry for the Best International Feature at the upcoming Academy Awards. Set in an alternate universe, the film features Rankin alongside a diverse cast from Winnipeg, Quebec, and Tehran, creating a surreal, multilingual exploration of connection.

VIFF continues through Sunday, with Audience Award winners set to be announced the following day.