Abbey Jean Cowan, Luxton Handspiker, Antonina Battrick, Paul Gordon
Canada
2021
English
Featured in:
VIFF Short Forum: Program 5
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
2026 Oscar® Shorts (Documentary)
Don't come to the program of Oscar®-nominated documentary shorts for escapism. But let's talk about the Canadian contender, Perfectly a Strangeness, featuring an abandoned observatory and three donkeys. More of this, please.
The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes
A beautiful portrait of E.J. Hughes, who quietly helped reshape the artistic landscape of British Columbia in the 20th century. This extraordinary documentary explores Hughes’s legacy not only as an artist, but as a devoted, humble human being.
Muzizi
From the director of the award-winning film Union Street, Jamila Pomeroy, Muzizi embarks on a great culinary adventure through Vancouver’s African diasporic culinary scene. Muzizi explores powerful stories of immigration, resilience, and joy.
My Father's Shadow
Akojo Film Collective is proud to present My Father's Shadow, launching African Cinema Now into a new year of vibrant programming at the VIFF Centre. The BAFTA-nominated film follows two boys on an adventure with their father through the streets of Lagos.
Mr. Nobody Against Putin
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary, and Special Jury Prize Winner, Sundance, 2025, this exposé shot by a Russian primary teacher shows how the Putin propaganda machine works to militarize children.
Credits
Executive Producer
Nicholas Bradford-Ewart, Jessie Posthumus, Sarah Quan
Producer
Sarah Quan
Screenwriter
Jessie Posthumus
Cinematography
Benjamin Wong
Editor
Andrea Ziedenberg
Production Design
Mel Wright
Original Music
Kyle McCrea
Director
Jessie Posthumus
Jessie Posthumus is a Canadian writer, director, and editor working in both documentary and narrative film. Her short films have premiered in festivals such as Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Inside Out, and Frameline, and have collected a number of Audience Choice and Best in Show awards. In her work, you will find a deep understanding of world-building, as well as a keen sense of humour. Her latest directing work includes a series of short documentaries about Canadians who are bad at their hobbies, as well as the short narrative film Rocket Fuel.


