A locally produced psychological horror film is earning international attention after taking home Best Horror Feature Film at the 2026 Liverpool Indie Awards. The Princess & The Dragon, shot primarily in Western Manitoba with a cast and crew made up largely of local talent, continues to build momentum on the global indie circuit.
Directed by Canadian filmmaker Miles S. Crossman, the film blends fairytale symbolism with psychological tension, following a protagonist navigating a maze‑like world shaped by mental illness. Much of the movie was filmed at the historic Ninette Sanatorium, a location that adds an eerie authenticity to the story’s claustrophobic atmosphere.
Crossman says the project was built “backwards” from what the region could offer — real locations, volunteer support, and a passionate creative community. That grassroots approach has now paid off with international recognition. Crossman was quick to give credit to his team, “I don’t shine unless everyone else shines and that’s everyone who invested their time into making it happen. This award is a testament to what can happen when a community rallies behind a story,” he said in a recent festival interview.
For cast members and crew from Brandon and surrounding communities, the win is more than a trophy. It’s a signal that Western Manitoba’s film scene is capable of producing work that resonates far beyond provincial borders. The Liverpool Indie Awards are known for spotlighting bold, unconventional filmmaking, and the jury’s praise places The Princess & The Dragon alongside standout projects from Europe, Australia, and the United States.
The film’s exploration of bipolar disorder and its emotionally charged ending have sparked conversation among audiences and critics alike. Its mix of psychological depth and symbolic storytelling has helped it stand out in a crowded horror landscape.
With the Liverpool win now under its belt, the team behind The Princess & The Dragon is preparing for a new wave of attention — and possibly new opportunities. For Western Manitoba’s creative community, it’s a proud moment and a reminder that world‑class filmmaking can happen right here at home. “Film is truly an artistic collaborative form and it just takes every person involved to make it happen so I’m just really thankful that everybody sort of put their faith in me to take the lead in this one and I look forward to us all working together again,” said Crossman.
The Princess and The Dragon will be available on all major streaming platforms in April. Crossman says an accompanying book will also have a major North American retail release at Wal Mart stores.
