Beginning in 1988 when the VIFF gave out its first "Most Popular Film" prize to Some Girls, the Festival has offered a number of awards, both adjudicated and voted on by you, the audience, to deserving films. These awards are:
The most popular nonfiction film receives the documentary Audience Award.
The audience chose the American film THROW DOWN YOUR HEART for the inaugural documentary Audience Award. Directed by Sascha Paladino, it is about banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck’s musical journey to Africa. The award is sponsored by CBC’s digital channel documentary, and Jaeny Baik, host of CBC Television’s “Living Vancouver” show, announced the winner. VIFF showed 102 documentaries throughout the festival.
