The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility

Distribution
Catalogue

Boat People

Kjell Boersma & Thao Lam
2023 | 9 min

Trailer


As a child in Vietnam, Thao’s mother often rescued ants from bowls of sugar water. Years later they would return the favour. Boat People is an animated documentary that uses a striking metaphor to trace one family’s flight across the turbulent waters of history.

Awards and distinctions

  • Juror's Choice Award: Documentary
    Centre Film Festival, Philipsburg
    2024
  • Building Bridges Award
    FascinAsian Film Festival, Winnipeg
    2024
  • Kathleen Shannon Award
    Yorkton Film Festival, Yorkton
    2024
  • Special Mention for the Crossmedia Award (The Paper Boat/ Boat People)
    Bologna Children's Book Fair, Bologne
    2024
  • Diversity Award
    Spark Animation Festival, Vancouver
    2023
  • Audience Award, Best Animated Short
    Coronado Island Film Festival, Coronado
    2023
  • Milos Stehlik Global Impact Award
    International Children's Film Festival (HYBRID), Chicago
    2023
  • Best Canadian Animation Short Film Award
    Asian Film Festival, Vancouver
    2023
  • Audience Award for Animated Short
    New Orleans Film Festival (HYBRID), New Orleans
    2023
  • Helen Hill Award for Animated Short
    New Orleans Film Festival (HYBRID), New Orleans
    2023
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Short
    International Film Festival, Calgary
    2023