The Cinémathèque Québécoise will be handing out a $1500 prize to the the director of the most popular Canadian film chosen by ordinary cinema-goers at the upcoming Montréal World Film Festival.

The Prix de la Cinémathèque Québécoise trophy includes the winning film being showcased as part of the Quebec-based Cinémathèque’s year-round programming.

“This initiative reflects the Cinémathèque’s commitment to encourage Québécois and Canadian films and to raise their profile among audiences at home as well as abroad,” Yolande Racine, executive director of the Cinémathèque Québécoise said Tuesday.

Last year’s recipient of the inaugural Prix de la Cinémathèque Québécoise prize was Tromper le Silence, directed by Julie Hivon.

News of the audience award prize comes as the 34th Montreal World Film Festival unveils its full film lineup on Tuesday.