IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING COVID-19:
The VHS is committed to the safety and security of its attendees and filmmakers and will be taking measures to ensure the festival can still proceed in a safe manner in 2020. Please use the necessary caution in completing your projects, and consider alternative means, or postponements in filming and production if that is warranted. The VHS will be extending its Early Bird Deadline from May 29th to July 17th in order to accommodate projects and filmmakers that have needed to respond to COVID-related challenges. Stay tuned for more updates on our website, and please be assured the VHS will continue in 2020.
The 2019 festival showcased 32 short films from 9 different countries and hosted the Canadian Premiere of the award-winning horror feature film Puppet Killer by Lisa Ovies. The VHS awards filmmakers for their work in 17 categories including best performances, best director, and the Blair Witch award, which celebrates incredible cinematic achievements on a shoestring budget. In 2019, the VHS also introduce a screenwriting competition which will continue in 2020.
At the VHS, what terrifies us is what unites us. Our goal is to celebrate the power of storytelling and provide a platform for emerging talent in the world of independent filmmaking.
Selection Process:
Official selections are determined by the programming team using a graded criteria assessment.
Award Process:
All award categories will have nominees chosen by our programming team. The nominees will then be screened / graded by 3 different judges anonymously and given an overall grade. In the event of a tie, there will be two winners.
The VHS Short But Sweet Audience Award will be chosen live at the event. Those in attendance will be asked to vote for their favourite film of the night.
Awards:
Best Feature Film
2019 Winner - "Puppet Killer" - Lisa Ovies
Best Film
2019 Winner - "The Third Hand" - Yoni Weisberg
Best Director
2019 Winner - "The Third Hand" - Yoni Weisberg
Best Performance in a Leading Role
2019 Winners - Ben Cotton - "O.I." & Monica West - "Consommé"
Best Performance in a Supporting Role
2019 Winner - Marcus Rosner - "Dance with a Demon"
Best Cinematography
2019 Winner - Jeff Zwicker - "Dance with a Demon"
Best Writing
2019 Winner - N'cee Van Heerden - "O.I."
Best Editing
2019 Winner - "O.I." - N'cee Van Heerden
Best Scare
2019 Winner - "#No_Filter"
Best Sound
2019 Winner - "The Third Hand"
Best Ensemble Cast
2019 Winner - "Helsinki Mansplaining Massacre" - Yoni Weisberg
Best Comedic Performance
2019 Winners - Steve Flavin - "Thirst Trap" & Mitchell Holland - "Love Bite"
Best Score
2019 Winner - "Dance With A Demon"
Best Visual Effects
2019 Winner - "The Third Hand"
Best Makeup
2019 Winner - "Atomic Ed"
Best Costume Design
2019 Winner - "#YouToo"
Blair Witch Award
2019 Winner - "Hysteria"
VHS Emerging Filmmaker Award
2019 Winner - Gio Olmos - "Dulce Hogar"