The Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada (GIFFT) announced the winners of its 2025 Film Awards, celebrating excellence in Greek and Canadian cinema. The awards recognize filmmakers who continue to share powerful stories of culture, identity, and human resilience.
This year’s selections, which mark GIFFT’s fifth anniversary, showcased exceptional talent and creativity, reflecting the diversity of the Hellenic spirit and its global influence. From emotionally charged dramas to inspiring documentaries, the winning films captivated audiences with their artistry, storytelling, and vision.
Winners of the Greek International Film Tour
BEST SHORT CANADIAN FILM: ROTTEN
Directed by Telly Bitsakakis, this is a chaotic and thought-provoking drama exploring the fragile dynamics within a band and the timeless struggle between art and success. Rotten evokes themes of aging, creative compromise, and the relentless passage of time.
BEST SHORT INTERNATIONAL FILM: GOLDEN FINGERS
Directed by Fivos Kontogiannis. Set in 1960s rural Greece, this moving story follows a young gypsy boy’s fight against prejudice and hardship as he chases his dream of becoming one of the world’s finest clarinet soloists — a powerful testament to perseverance and hope.
BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY: WRESTLING WITH LIFE
Directed by Alexa Bogdanis. An inspiring portrait of Olympian and motivational speaker Shayne Smith, whose lifelong connection to wrestling helped him overcome personal adversity and find purpose both in and out of the ring.
BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY: TACK
Directed by Vania Turner. This powerful documentary chronicles Greece’s #MeToo movement, following Olympian Sofia and survivor Amalia as they pursue justice and healing in a groundbreaking case that challenged a culture of silence.
BEST FEATURE FILM: MEAT
Directed by Dimitris Nakos. A gripping and modern tragedy, Meat confronts themes of loyalty, legacy, and revenge as a patriarch faces a devastating moral choice after a long-standing feud erupts in violence.
SPECIAL HONOURS
GIFFT LEGACY AWARD: Renos Haralambidis (Actor, Director, Producer) For his significant and enduring contribution to cinema, and for his work in reflecting and preserving the cultural heritage of Greece through film.
FESTIVAL PINNACLE AWARD: Marianna Michalitsianou, Panagiotis Kantzios, and Dimitri Tsouchlakis. Presented to three remarkable individuals whose tireless dedication, creativity, and family spirit have elevated the festival experience for all. Their unwavering support behind the scenes has enabled GIFFT to continue thriving and shining.
As GIFFT celebrates its fifth anniversary, the festival continues to honor its mission — promoting Hellenic culture through film, fostering artistic exchange, and inspiring future collaborations between Greek and Canadian filmmakers.
For more information about the Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada and upcoming screenings, visit www.gifft.ca or follow @gifftcanada on social media.
Related: Catch the Best of Greek Cinema at the New York Film Expo
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