best short film nominees
sponsored by smpia


by faith, denis
Denis is a Knight of Faith (at least in his mind). One night during a Bible study, the topic of sexual morality is broached, resulting in an uncomfortable confrontation.
The Filmmaker
Jeremy Ratzlaff is a self-taught filmmaker from Saskatchewan, Canada, who started his career as a teenager driven by the desire to collaborate with other artists and tell stories. In 2015 he became a reoccurring video producer for CBC Arts, giving him the opportunity to work directly with artists like Zachari Logan and Atom Egoyan. He is somehow managing to stay inspired in the rural Prairies.

far from me
When suffering from car troubles on an important trip, an act of kindness from a family helps an overburdened mother realize her true priorities in life.
The Filmmaker
Levi Mierau is a Director, Creative Producer and founder of Myriad Entertainment. Levi gained a passion for film and art design at a young age and graduated top of his class in 2014 from the Recording Arts Institute of Saskatoon. With seven years working as a Director, Producer and Production Designer on short films, web-series and feature films in Saskatchewan, he prides himself on his ability to persevere and exceed expectations at every opportunity. His experience in a myriad of departments allows him to oversee projects with an understanding that comes from multiple departments.

hard reset
When a global crisis threatens the world an experimental AI tool is deployed in order to predict patient's susceptibility rates in hopes of stopping the virus from spreading further.
The Filmmaker
Scott Johnson is a Canadian video artist and filmmaker from Regina,Saskatchewan. He graduated from the University of Regina with a BFA in filmand video production, with a concentration on time-based media. His video workhas been exhibited in a number of venues, including micro cinemas and local filmfestivals such as the Regina International Film Festival and Awards (RIFFA) andthe Yorkton Film Festival (YFF), to name a few. His work has been showninternationally, notably at the Vegas Movie Awards (VMA), Atlanta Film Festival,Das Filmfest, and Antimatter [Media Art]. He now serves on the board ofdirectors and as the production committee chairman for the SaskachewanFilmpool cooperative.

torch narrows
On a night fishing excursion on the Saskatchewan River, two friends revisit a wound they cannot heal.
The Filmmaker
Simon Garez is a Saskatoon-based director and actor who works in French and English. Raised in Nipawin, Simon holds a BFA in theatre performance from Simon Fraser University and a diploma in acting from the Vancouver Institute of Media Arts. He recently completed his directorial debut Torch Narrows and his second film Gentle Hum of Spring is in post-production. Alongside his directing and performance practice, Simon works with bees and honey production.