Ninth Annual Saskatchewan Independent Film Awards: A Summary

Six winners receive recognition at the 9th Annual Saskatchewan Independent Film Awards on Nov. 26, 2022.  

Pictured from left to right: Dianne Ouellette, Mark Wihak, Elaine Striemer, Aaron Sinclair, Curtis MacGillivray and Graydon Eskowich.

The Saskatchewan Independent Film Awards (SIFA) has been going strong for nine years, and this year’s event once again showcased the unbelievable talent found locally across Saskatchewan. I’m still fairly new to this wonderful world of film and was amazed to see the booming industry that I frankly didn't know existed. As a young, first-year Film Production student at the University of Regina, I found the SIFAs to be super encouraging. Often as an artist, you have the idea that you must move away to the big artist hotspots, such as New York or LA. By experiencing the industry in Saskatchewan first-hand, I have come to realize what an amazing community is right here at home. This gives people like me, whose dreams seem somewhat impossible and small, hope and a drive to participate and be a member of the Saskatchewan independent film industry. 

I was impacted by how the artists and people within the community strive to support one another and want to see their friends and colleagues reach their dreams. It’s super encouraging to know how Saskatchewan filmmakers understand we have a shared goal of expressing ourselves through unique ways. These wonderfully creative people are such an inspiration, providing me and, I’m sure many others, with new knowledge of the growing film industry in Saskatchewan.

Film still from Intrusion by Graydon Eskowich, which won Best Student Film.

There were many astounding films screened during the awards show. One of the most impactful films of the night for me, Graydon Eskowich’s student film Intrusion, went on to win the Best Student Film this year. It was beautifully written, featuring a story about how the struggle of trying to balance our obligations and life seems to suffocate us, resulting in high levels of stress which negatively impact every aspect of our lives. Something that made this film really stand out to me was the use of striking colours that would change due to the stress and mental state of the main character. The film started off using accessible daylight and then as everything piled up, the lighting changed to create stark shadows and very unnatural red, yellow and blue spooky, bright hues. All further communication the way life seems to completely overwhelm and suffocate sometimes.

Additionally, this featured a creative use of sound, which further served to express the struggle of the main character and portray their emotions. For example, the overlapping whispers added to the feelings of stress and anxiety. This touched me through a shared emotional connection, but more than that, this example of a student film showed me a glimpse into the possibility of my future, and that of any person aspiring to become a filmmaker.  Beyond professional possibilities, I really connected to this film because I understand and have experienced feelings of pressure and how it can take over one’s life. 

A large red bear from Harrison, winner of this year’s Best Music Video with music by Ben Sefton and directed by Aaron Sinclair.

The next category was Best Music Video and this year's winner was Harrison, with music by Ben Sefton and directed by Aaron Sinclair. This piece showcased the story of Harrison as he tries to navigate through high school and try to understand himself. Not only did this film have a great taste of home (it featured the high school I attended!) It also commented on bullying and the conflict of trying to cope with the impact others can have on self-image, especially as a young person. Something I really enjoyed about this film was its use of retro visuals, providing this home-like and eye-catching aesthetic. Another thing that really attracted me to the film was how the use of 80s nostalgia — aspects like clothing, antique TVs, everything from big baggy jeans and of course the big hair — added a fun, happy, go-lucky viewpoint that contrasts the dark and scary experiences of loneliness and lack of belonging that Harrison is struggling with. 

Kaitlyn Semple stars as Lucy Oser in Mark Wihak’s series Resting Potential, which won Best Longform Film.

The winner for Best Longform Film was Mark Wihak’s series Resting Potential. The nine-chapter film tells the story of Lucy Oser (Kaitlyn Semple) as she tries to understand her purpose and existence in general. This was a very interesting film as it really questions how our perception affects us and our actions. This film gave a touch of reality and reliability as Lucy tries to balance the various aspects of her job and social life. Although only one episode was screened during the night all the other chapters are available on Youtube, Vimeo and Facebook, also through the film’s website. I recommend seeking out all nine chapters of Resting Potential!

Film still from Dianne Ouellette’s Lil Bufloo Aen Loo Kishkishiw (Buffalo Wolf Memory) which won the award for Best Short Film.

Next, the Best Short Film of the 2022 SIFAs was Dianne Ouellette’s Lil Bufloo Aen Loo Kishkishiw (Buffalo Wolf Memory). This piece served to illustrate Ouellette’s own personal journey of reconnecting to her Indigenous heritage while also commenting on the loss of Indigenous language and culture at large. Ouellette features several important North American grassland animals, such as the bison and “buffalo wolf” or “prairie wolf.” The various depictions of these extinct creatures echo the suffering in Saskatchewan and specifically how that impacts  Indigenous communities. 

Following this, the Best Performance Award went to Elaine Striemer for her role in the music video, Repent by Halocene and directed by Dylan Hryciuk. Best Technical Achievement went to Dylan Hryciuk’s cinematography in The Druid’s Hand. The last category of the evening was the Audience Choice Award, which was taken home by Curtis MacGillivray for his film Pothead Your Local Superhero. Each of these films stood out in their respective categories for their uniqueness as well as creativity. 

Guests mingle in the lobby before the awards ceremony.

  It was an incredible night featuring films covering a variety of topics and styles, showcasing actors and directors of various ages and backgrounds. I know it will continue to further inspire not only myself but other filmmakers within Saskatchewan. The ninth annual Saskatchewan Independent Film Awards was an unforgettable event, really showcasing the often unseen talent and creativity that exists within Saskatchewan. This was a fun, supportive evening full of dedicated filmmakers who have made a great impact on the development of independent filmmaking in Saskatchewan. I know I can’t wait for next year’s event. See you then, SIFA!