The “Alda” (meaning 'wave' in Old Norse) is the signature Award given by the Gimli International Film Festival annually. It is awarded to an individual whose life work and talents have made an outstanding contribution to filmmaking in Canada and the circumpolar nations. Our committee considers the individual’s body of work and their success in the industry, and their impact on the cultural fabric of Canada, and selects a producer, director, actor, or writer for the award.

This year’s recipient is Zacharias Kunuk OC ONu (Inuktitut: ᓴᖅᑲᓕᐊᓯ ᑯᓄᒃ). Kunuk is a pioneering Canadian Inuk filmmaker and producer. He gained international acclaim for his groundbreaking film Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, the first Canadian dramatic feature entirely in Inuktitut. Kunuk's work is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of Inuit culture and storytelling, contributing significantly to Indigenous cinema and preserving Inuit heritage through the arts. Congratulations!