The Whistler Film Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary this week in British Columbia. The event wrapped with a notable list of winners. This year's ceremony recognized multiple filmmakers across 15 categories. $155,500 was awarded in cash and production support prizes. Akashi, directed by Japanese-born and Canadian-based filmmaker Mayumi Yoshida, became one of the most talked-about titles of the 2025 Whistler Film Festival.The feature film swept multiple categories, including Best Canadian Feature in the Borsos competition, Best Performance, Best Cinematography, Best BC Director, and the Haebler Family Fund's Best Feature recognition at the 2025 Whistler Film Festival.Notably, Akashi previously received recognition at the Vancouver Film Festival and Reel Asian Film Festival. Yoshida shared:"This outcome is just beyond my expectations. I am so grateful. Winning like this from the festival is like a huge, huge lead for us. We are still looking for distribution, so I am hoping, and surely think, this will definitely boost the project and give it that exposure."She also added:"It is really hard for a film like ours to be seen and recognized, and these kinds of awards really amplify the project. Based on what we have been seeing and feeling in the theatres, and the response by the audiences, it is giving us this feeling that, 'okay… there is something here.' We are doing something right." View this post on Instagram Instagram PostWhistler Film Festival executive director Angela Heck mentioned:"As we celebrate 25 years of cinematic excellence, tonight's award winners remind us why the Whistler Film Festival continues to thrive, our community of filmmakers, storytellers, and creators is extraordinary. These films reflect courage, craft, and a deep commitment to authentic storytelling. We are honoured to shine a spotlight on the artists who are shaping the future of Canadian and international cinema."As Akashi dominated the night, multiple other creators received notable recognition across competitive categories. Zacharias Kunuk received the Borsos Award for Best Direction for Wrong Husband. Chandler Levack won Best Screenplay for Mile End Kicks, which also earned Simone Smith recognition for Best Editing. In the documentary category, Agatha's Almanac, directed by Amalie Atkins, earned the World Documentary Award.Complete list of winners at the 2025 Whistler Film FestivalBorsos Award for Best Canadian FeatureAkashi (Winner)Best PerformanceMayumi Yoshida for Akashi (Winner)Best CinematographyJaryl Lim for Akashi (Winner)Best BC DirectorMayumi Yoshida for Akashi (Winner)Best ScreenplayChandler Levack for Mile End Kicks (Winner)Best EditingSimone Smith for Mile End Kicks (Winner)Best DirectionZacharias Kunuk for Wrong Husband (Winner)World Documentary AwardAgatha’s Almanac directed by Amalie Atkins (Winner)Mountain Culture AwardsBeauty in a Fall by Nat Segal (Short Award Winner)The Art of Adventure by Alison Reid (Feature Award Winner)Shortwork AwardsPumpkin Head by Christopher Berry (Best BC Student Shortwork Winner)Beyond Silence by Marnie Blok (Best International Short Winner)Ramón Who Speaks to Ghosts by Shervin Kermani (Best Canadian Short Winner)Haebler Family Fund AwardsFor Dawn by Setareh Saleh (Best Short Winner)Akashi by Mayumi Yoshida (Best Feature Winner)Screen BC Short Film AwardAfter Party directed by Kevin Ang (Winner)Honorary Career Achievement AwardPark Chan-wook (Winner)UBCP ACTRA Northern Star AwardCassandra Naud (Winner)Congratulations to all winners at the 2025 Whistler Film Festival!Also Read: IDA Documentary Awards 2025: Complete list of winners and nominees explored"You gotta love it a lot, because it's really hard": Sydney Sweeney reflects on early career challengesThe Streamer Awards 2025: Complete list of winners and nominees explored