Awards & Prizes

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.

La Raya – Yolanda Cruz 

Mexico 2024 – 1h21

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.

Dreams Travel With The Wind – Inti Jacanamijoy 

Colombia 2024 – 1h11

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.

Mundurukuyü de The Forest of the Fish Women – Aldira Akay, Beka Munduruku, Rilcéli Akay

Brazil 2025 – 1h12

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.

Nirilaurta – Malaya Qaunirq-Chapman 

Canada 2026 – 52 min

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.

In my hand – Marja Helander, Liselotte Wajstedt 

Norway 2025 – 23m23

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

Aki – Darlene Naponse

Canada 2025 -1h22

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.

Dreams Travel With The Wind – Inti Jacanamijoy

Colombia 2024 – 1h11

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.

NITASSINAN – Joséphine Bacon & Kim O’Bomsawin

Canada – 2026, 78 min

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  https://www.materafilmfestival.it/

Uiksaringitara – Wrong Husband de Zacharias Kunuk

Canada 2025 – 1h40

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.

We Act Like Children – Evelyn Pakinewatik 

Canada 2026 – 12m55

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

Arowactan – John Henlee Weizineau

Canada 2025 – 5m54

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.).

Ex-aequo

The Great Cherokee Grandmother de Anthony Sneed – USA 2024 – 8m55

Sikoqqinngisaannassooq de Adam Sébire – Greenland, Norway 2025 – 15m14

Echoes from the Kwet Tul Heights -de Sandra Rengifo, Kostas Tsanakas – Colombia 2026 – 23m3