Valerie Buhagiar’s latest feature led the winning Canadian films at Toronto’s Female Eye Film Festival (FeFF) this weekend.

FeFF wrapped its 22nd edition on July 21 and held its annual awards at a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Toronto.

The festival showcases films directed by women across genres such as experimental, horror and documentary. Awards are given to a film in each category.

The Best Canadian Feature award went to Buhagiar’s The Dogs (pictured), which had its world premiere at FeFF.

The story follows a mother-son duo (Kathleen Munroe and Donovan Colan) who move into a farmhouse near the quiet town of Wolf Hollow and learn about its haunting history.

Produced by Wild Media Entertainment, in association with 2ofaMind Productions, The Dogs is based on Canadian author Allan Stratton’s bestselling novel. It was adapted for the screen by scribes Anthony Artibello and Sheila Rogerson, who also serve as producers.

James Milligan, Artibello, Rogerson, and Jason Jallet are producers, while Paul Flint, Kevin C. Bjerkness, Perry Dellelce, and Brad Pelman serve as executive producers. Rights have sold to Germany and France, but sales are ongoing. North American rights are currently available.

“The Female Eye Film Festival is an incredible festival driven by women for women, and to be recognized by such talent helps me realize that I am seen, I am heard, and allows me to propel more work forward,” Buhagiar (Carmen) tells Playback Daily.

Best Canadian short went to Age of Consent, directed by Katherin Gauthier and Ben Sanders. The short was produced by Gauthier, Sanders, Carla Marti and Kelly Penner. The film tells the story of a 75-year-old woman and her adult children following an event that shakes up her already deteriorating memory.

For a full list of award winners go to the FeFF website.

Image courtesy of Wild Media Entertainment