2 Alberta films pick up awards in Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival

Two Travel Alberta films are being featured in Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival, picking up four awards.

According to the province, the two films feature deep Indigenous culture and dynamic landscapes unique to Alberta.

“It is such an honour to have not only one, but two outstanding Alberta productions recognized at this renowned international tourism film festival. Masterpieces like these show that our province is a great place to visit and explore. I’m proud of Travel Alberta’s hard work and creativity in showcasing Canada’s Alberta to the rest of the world,” said Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport.

The first film, Sky Painter, won the Grand Prix and two additional awards. The other, titled To Be Albertan, took home its own gold award.

WATCH: Sky Painter

Sky Painter from Filmservice International on Vimeo.

WATCH: To Be Albertan

To be Albertan from Filmservice International on Vimeo.

This is the second award for To Be Alberta, which also won a silver award at the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards for the Tourism Films in October 2023.

“Japan is one of Alberta’s key international tourism markets. We are thrilled to see that ‘Sky Painter’ and ‘To Be Albertan’ are resonating with Japanese travellers, connecting us and inspiring travel from Japan’s Mount Fuji all the way to Alberta’s Rocky Mountains,” said Tannis Gaffney, chief marketing officer of Travel Alberta.

Japan hosts one of nine international tourism film festivals, which aim to award filmmakers for showcasing their talent while also driving travel.