The Montreal International Black Film Festival unveils its 2026 award winners and celebrates powerful works that elevate Black voices, stories, and imaginations
Montreal, September 28, 2026 — The Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF) wrapped up its 22nd edition last night at Cinéma du Musée with a screening of DIYA, directed by Achille Ronaimou.
With 70 films from 21 countries, #MIBFF26 presented a program reflecting the diversity of Black experiences around the world. Beyond the screenings, the Festival also provided spaces for connection and dialogue through its Black Market, industry panels and workshops, the Being Black in Canada program, MIBFF in the Neighbourhoods, and its Pop-Up Market, continuing its commitment to filmmakers, industry professionals, and emerging talent.
After five days of screenings and gatherings bringing together filmmakers and audiences from all backgrounds, the juries recognized works that stood out for their narrative strength, formal boldness, and ability to bring to the screen cultural and human realities that are too often overlooked.
This year’s top honours go to:
BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE: SE EU FOSSE VIVO… VIVIA (If I Were Alive) by André Novais Oliveira (Brazil)
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: ESPWA HAÏTI: AGAINST ALL ODDS by Isabelle Depelteau and Noémie Ferron (Quebec, Canada)
BEST SHORT/MID-LENGTH FILM: NE RÉVEILLEZ PAS L’ENFANT QUI DORT by Kevin Aubert (Senegal, France, Morocco)
HONORABLE MENTION (Narrative): DIYA by Achille Ronaimou (Chad, Germany, France, Côte d’Ivoire)
SPECIAL MENTION — SHORT/MID-LENGTH FILM: A ÚLTIMA COLHEITA (The Last Harvest) by Nuno Boaventura Miranda (Cape Verde, Portugal)
JURY MEMBERS
Narrative Features: President — Will Prosper; Nadia Zouaoui; Penande Estime
Documentary Features: President — Michèle Stephenson; Justine Smith; Phyllis Gooden
Short and Mid-Length Narrative & Documentary Films: President — Mylène Augustin; Zainab Rabbaa; Samuel Sufren
The 23rd Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF) will take place from September 29 to October 3, 2027.
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About the Montreal International Black Film Festival
Created in 2005 by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, the Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF) is Canada’s largest film festival entirely dedicated to Black realities from around the world. It aims to offer the public the most spectacular productions in Black cinema and opportunities to debate the great cultural, social, and socio-economic issues facing society. The goal of the MIBFF is to promote the development of the independent film industry and showcase more films depicting Black realities around the world. The festival seeks to prioritize local and international films that are not necessarily in the spotlight, a new cinema that moves its audience and raises awareness – and a few eyebrows. In doing so, the MIBFF addresses issues and showcases art that makes you think and smile, provokes, bewilders, and shocks you. A new, fresh look at Black cinema from all parts of the globe!
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SOURCE:
Montreal International Black Film Festival
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