Abby Ridd - " T O B U R N O U R S A C R E D H O U S E "

Dir. Abby Ridd, 2026, 11 minutes. Canada.

"Despite the distance between them, two old friends keep up a correspondence, using one another as a diary to share their innermost thoughts on their lives, growing up, and growing apart."

To Burn Our Sacred House is a 3D puppet-based stop motion animated film that explores grief and the persistence of friendship-- through tactile, hand built storytelling.

To Burn Our Sacred House had its world premiere as apart of the TIFF MDFF Selects Student Film Showcase, where it was awarded Best Film.

"To Burn our Sacred House is a film that wonderfully captures the charm and spirit of young people trying to communicate their beliefs, observations, and hopes. Cinema is at its best when we see ourselves reflected in the lives of characters who are unlike us, and though the jury all come from different experiences, Lola & Louise's questions, fears, and dreams felt familiar. Thanks to the detailed and acute script, stunning design, and harmonious score we collectively walked away saying, "I know what you mean, I feel it too."

- Quote from TIFF MDFF jury members Clement Virgo, Luis De Filippis, and Emma Cheuk

MDFF SELECTS: STUDENT FILM SHOWCASE 2026 REVIEW