Festival
Awards

Programming Disruptor Fellowship:

Eva Grant, Romi Kim, Jasmine "Audder" Monton

ABOUT THIS AWARD

We are grateful to Telefilm Canada, Warner Bros Discovery Access Canada and the BC Arts Council for sponsoring the inaugural Programming Disruptor Fellowship for Emerging BIPOC 2SLGBTQIA+ Film Curators. Heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Romi Kim, Jasmine “Audder” Monton, and Eva Grant for being a part of the first cohort and an essential part of programming of this Festival.

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RBC Narrative Change Award:

Sharon "Rocky" Roggio

1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture (USA)

2SLGBTQIA+ identities and Christian beliefs are often in opposition, with many queer-identifying Christians facing judgment or outright rejection from both communities. Sharon Roggio’s fascinating etymological excavation traces the origins of the Christian anti-gay movement back to 1946, when a damaging mistranslation resulted in the first appearance of the word “homosexual” in the Bible, thus providing a “sacred weapon” for the religious right to use against gay people. Significantly, while critical of religious dogma, this documentary does not oppose Christianity. Roggio, herself a lesbian, grew up under the watchful eye of her preacher father, and this personal investment in the relationship between queerness and faith makes for an empathetic film that strives for inclusivity over division. This documentary is essential viewing for everyone regardless of personal beliefs, but particularly important for queer Christians who have been forced to hide their identities in the hope of gaining acceptance.

ABOUT THIS AWARD

We are proud to introduce the RBC Narrative Change Award. Sponsored by RBC, this $5,000 cash prize will be determined by an international jury and will honour a Canadian or International film that uses the power of cultural strategy to overturn outdated narratives, inspire change, and expand the audience’s perception of 2SLGBTQIA+ identities. The award winner will be announced at the Closing Presentation on August 19 and have an encore screening on the last day of the Festival on August 20.