鈥淯niversal Language,鈥� an absurdist dramedy by Winnipeg writer-director Matthew Rankin, has claimed the $15,000 award for best Canadian film at this year鈥檚 Vancouver International Film Festival.

The Summit Award, decided by jury of artists and industry leaders, was handed out in a ceremony Wednesday evening.

Among other winners was Kim O鈥橞omsawin鈥檚 鈥淣inan Auassat: We, the Children,鈥� which won the $15,000 Tides Award for best Canadian documentary.

The Abenaki director鈥檚 film follows the daily lives of children and teens from different Indigenous nations.

Filipina-Canadian director Thea Loo鈥檚 鈥淚nay (Mama),鈥� a documentary about the emotional repercussions of Canada鈥檚 live-in caregiver program, won the $10,000 Arbutus Award for best B.C. film. Loo will also receive a $15,000 post-production services credit.

VIFF runs until Sunday and the VIFF Audience Awards will be announced the following day.

Earlier this year, 鈥淯niversal Language鈥� was named Canada鈥檚 official entry for best international feature film consideration at the 97th Academy Awards. The film sees Rankin play himself alongside a Persian-and French-speaking cast in an alternate universe where Winnipeg, Quebec and Tehran converge as one.