Awards & Prizes

Nicolas Renaud

Émilie Monnet

Maya Menchu

Samy Benammar

Meky Ottawa

Sigwan Thivierge

Elizabeth Weatherford

Amina Salem Castaing

Festival du Film de Matera

Prizes awarded according to artistic merit to films that have shown originality in the subject matter and the mise-en-scène, relevance in their cinematographic approaches and which correspond, in substance and form, to the soul of the first peoples.

Ka Whawhai Tonu by Mike Jonathan – Aotearoa / New Zealand

Prizes awarded according to artistic merit to films that have shown originality in the subject matter and the mise-en-scène, relevance in their cinematographic approaches and which correspond, in substance and form, to the soul of the first peoples.

Canuto’s Transformation by Ariel Kuaray Ortega, Ernesto de Carvalho – Brazil

Prizes awarded by the Rigoberta Menchú Tum Foundation to productions by an Indigenous people or community on the theme of “identity, discrimination and intercultural dialogue”, or which respond to a need for community development in terms of speaking out, recording collective memory, preserving cultural heritage, moving towards healing, fighting for rights, popular education or economic leverage.

The Rigoberta Menchú Tum Foundation asks the winners to donate a good video copy of their prize-winning work for non-profit use by the Foundation, for dissemination and awareness-raising purposes.

Me Moría (Li Cham) by Ana Ts’uyeb – Mexico

Prizes awarded by the Rigoberta Menchú Tum Foundation to productions by an Indigenous people or community on the theme of “identity, discrimination and intercultural dialogue”, or which respond to a need for community development in terms of speaking out, recording collective memory, preserving cultural heritage, moving towards healing, fighting for rights, popular education or economic leverage.

The Rigoberta Menchú Tum Foundation asks the winners to donate a good video copy of their prize-winning work for non-profit use by the Foundation, for dissemination and awareness-raising purposes.

Remaining Native de Paige Bethmann – USA

Prizes awarded by the Rigoberta Menchú Tum Foundation to productions by an Indigenous people or community on the theme of “identity, discrimination and intercultural dialogue”, or which respond to a need for community development in terms of speaking out, recording collective memory, preserving cultural heritage, moving towards healing, fighting for rights, popular education or economic leverage.

The Rigoberta Menchú Tum Foundation asks the winners to donate a good video copy of their prize-winning work for non-profit use by the Foundation, for dissemination and awareness-raising purposes.

Bring Them Home by Ivan MacDonald, Ivy MacDonald, Daniel Glick – USA

APTN AWARD dedicated to an Indigenous filmmaker who has distinguished himself/herself during the year. Outstanding Achievement of the Year in Aboriginal Cinema.

Singing Back the Buffalo by Tasha Hubbard – Canada

For the documentary film that succeeds, in form and content, in illustrating a factual or intangible Indigenous reality, by authentically rendering the lives and stories of the protagonists.

Las Almas by Laura Basombrío – Argentina

For the documentary film that succeeds, in form and content, in illustrating a factual or intangible Indigenous reality, by authentically rendering the lives and stories of the protagonists.

A $750 bursary awarded to a documentary filmmaker in Canada, with an offer to present his/her film on the FM3.CA VOD platform, to encourage him/her in the production of meaningful works about Indigenous peoples and cultures.

Deskaheh – Quest for Justice by Katsi’tsakwas Ellen Gabriel – Canada

For Indigenous filmmakers based in Canada who have made a film with international distribution potential. Films entered for the APTN award are also eligible for this prize. The winning film will be screened at the Matera Film Festival (8-16 nov 2025); the award includes travel both ways Montréal (or a Canadian city)-Matera via Rome for the winning filmmaker. https://www.materafilmfestival.it/

Inkwo for When the Starving Return by Amanda Strong – Canada

Awarded to an emerging Indigenous filmmaker, from Canada or elsewhere, for a film revealing promising talent. With a $1,000 bursary.

Vientre de Luna (Moon Belly) by Liliana K’an – Mexico

Awarded to an emerging Indigenous filmmaker, from Canada or elsewhere, for a film revealing promising talent. With a $1,000 bursary.

Echoes within by Pranami Koch – India

Works by Indigenous filmmakers based in Canada

Awarded to a Canadian short film for the quality of its cinematic expression as a whole (narrative structure, photo direction, set design, editing, sound concept, direction of actors, script, animation techniques, etc.). With a $2,500 bursary for the winner.

On and On and On by Evelyn Pakinewatik – Canada

Awarded to a short film for the quality of its cinematic expression as a whole (narrative structure, cinematography, set design, editing, sound design, direction of actors, screenplay, animation techniques, etc.).

Aribada by Simon(e) Jaikiriuma Paetau, Natalia Escobar – Colombia

Awarded to an animation film for the quality of its cinematic expression as a whole (narrative structure, editing, sound design, screenplay, animation techniques, etc.).

Inkwo for When the Starving Return by Amanda Strong – Canada