To celebrate its 40th anniversary the Montreal World Film Festival is introducing a GOLDEN CHELEMof World Cinema: $1 million (US) in cash prizes will be added to the awards for its competitive sections. The prize money will be shared equally (on a 50/50 basis) by the producers and directors of the winning films, in order to encourage new cinematic creation. “No other festival in the world rewards its best films in such a generous way with 13 different prizes.” stated MWFF Chairman Serge Losique. With this initiative, MWFF ignites a “genuine revolution” in the organization of an international film festival.

A generous benefactor has undertaken to sponsor these prizes. He acknowledged the Festival’s s prominence and hard work, accomplished both at home and on the international scene over 40 years. The prize money will be deposited in-trust at a notary’s office in Montreal, so that it could only be used for that purpose at the MWFF’s Awards Ceremony on September 5, 2016.

WORLD COMPETITION

$250,000 - Grand Prize of the Americas

$120,000 - Jury Grand Prize

FIRST FILMS COMPETITION

$110,000 - Golden Zenith                                                          

  $50,000 - Silver Zenith                                                             

  $40,000 - Bronze Zenith                                                            

BEST SHORT FILM

$20,000 -MWFF Award 

BEST DOCUMENTARY   

$50,000                                      

BEST CANADIAN FILM

$110,000 - Gold Prize                                                                   

  $60,000 - Silver Prize                                                                   

SPECIAL CHINESE FILM COMPETITION

 $110,000 - Gold Prize                                                                  

    $60,000 - Silver Prize                                                                   

STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL

$10,000 - Best Film, NATIONAL COMPETITION

$10,000 - Best Film, INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION