The jury
Victor Stiff (Canada), Savina Petkova (Bulgaria), Enoe Lopes Pontes (Brazil), Catalin Olaru (Romania), Pragya Mishra (India/UK),
Awarded films
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Ancestors by
David Turpin,
(Ireland, UK, 2026, 106 min.)
Jury Statement:
In this story of lost people finding each other, we saw an extraordinary command of translating the dreamy landscape of memories and recollections into compassionate cinematic language. It immersed us in someone else’s life, a time of love and turmoil, a past that returns through photographs and memories to haunt, bring longing, and give hope at once.
To a film that introduces a distinct voice to the world, we award the FIPRESCI prize to ANCESTORS by David Turpin.
The Toronto International Film Festival is committed to presenting the best of international and Canadian cinema. As one of the world’s largest public film festivals, TIFF takes pride in its unofficial designation as ‘The People’s Festival’, recognized for the magic its audiences bring to each screening. Uniquely positioned at the crossroads of multiple markets and cultures, TIFF is a gateway to a truly global film experience. Alongside its festival programming, TIFF offers special events and talks, plus the annual Industry Conference, to foster new connections between filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals. The FIPRESCI Prize winner is selected from TIFF’s Discovery programme, which features 20–25 world premieres of directors’ first or second narrative features. Jurors will be the first to see works from emerging filmmakers across the globe, with the opportunity to identify and spotlight promising new talent.