Cleveland Film Festival Announces 50th Anniversary Jury Award Winners

Top documentary 'The Big Cheese' and drama 'Mouse' lead the list of CIFF50 honorees.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:55pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring sharp, geometric shapes in bold red and white, conceptually representing the vibrant energy and milestone celebration of a major film festival.The Cleveland International Film Festival's 50th anniversary jury awards honor the best in independent and international cinema.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland International Film Festival announced the winners of its jury awards for the 50th edition of the festival. The top documentary prize went to 'The Big Cheese,' which follows a team of American cheesemongers competing at a prestigious cheese competition in France. The best U.S. narrative film award was given to 'Mouse,' a drama about a lonely man who becomes the victim of a catfishing scheme. Other winners included the international film 'Happy Birthday' and several short film categories. The festival will continue through April 18, with the audience choice awards still to be announced.

Why it matters

The CIFF jury awards provide early recognition for some of the festival's most acclaimed films, generating buzz and helping to drive audience attendance for those titles. As the festival celebrates its 50th year, the awards underscore CIFF's role in elevating independent and international cinema and supporting the next generation of filmmakers.

The details

For its 50th edition, the Cleveland International Film Festival announced the winners of its jury awards during the first weekend of the festival, allowing audiences to catch many of the 'Best of the Fest' films at screenings in Playhouse Square and Cedar Lee Theatre. The big winners include 'The Big Cheese,' which took home the Grand Jury Award for best documentary, and 'Mouse,' which was named best U.S. narrative film. The international category was won by the Egyptian drama 'Happy Birthday.' Several short film categories were also awarded, with the winners now eligible for Academy Award nominations.

  • The Cleveland International Film Festival runs from April 13-18, 2026.
  • 'The Big Cheese' screens on April 13 and April 14.
  • 'Mouse' screens on April 17 and April 18.
  • 'Happy Birthday' screens on April 17 and April 18.

The players

Hermione Malone

Executive Director of the Cleveland International Film Festival.

Sara Joe Wolansky

Director of the documentary film 'The Big Cheese.'

Kenny Riches

Director of the narrative film 'Mouse.'

Sarah Goher

Director of the international film 'Happy Birthday.'

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What they’re saying

“Over the last decade or so, we have invested millions in the future of filmmakers and storytellers through our awards program. So, there's an impact we think we have on creating a very visible stage for the appreciation and the exhibition of world-class independent film.”

— Hermione Malone, Executive Director, Cleveland International Film Festival

What’s next

The Audience Choice Awards for best feature — narrative and best feature — documentary will be announced at the conclusion of the in-person festival on April 18. Many of the award winners will also be available to watch online on CIFF50 Streams from April 19-26.

The takeaway

The Cleveland International Film Festival's jury awards highlight the festival's role in supporting independent and international cinema, providing early recognition for some of the most acclaimed films at the event. As the festival celebrates its 50th year, the awards underscore its continued impact on the filmmaking community and its ability to bring world-class cinema to Cleveland audiences.