In a country renowned for its vibrant and diverse storytelling, the 2024 Indiescreen Awards stand as a beacon of recognition for the very best in Canadian independent feature film production. This year, the prestigious awards will take centre stage at the Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF) in Halifax, bringing the celebration of Canada’s cinematic talent to the heart of Atlantic Canada. As the CMPA (Canadian Media Producers Association) continues its tradition of honouring those who have made significant contributions to the film industry, the 2024 Indiescreen Awards promises to be a milestone event, highlighting the creativity, resilience, and passion that define Canadian cinema.
Overview of the Indiescreen Awards
The Indiescreen Awards have been a cornerstone of Canadian cinema since its inception in 2006, recognizing the creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit that drive the nation’s independent film industry. These awards are more than just accolades; they represent a deep commitment to fostering the growth and success of Canadian feature films, both domestically and on the international stage.
History and Importance
Over the years, the Indiescreen Awards have grown in prestige, becoming a symbol of excellence within the Canadian film community. Established by the CMPA, the awards were created to honour independent producers whose work demonstrates exceptional storytelling, innovation, and dedication to filmmaking. By recognizing these producers, the CMPA aims to support and inspire the next generation of Canadian filmmakers, ensuring that the rich tradition of Canadian cinema continues to thrive.
Categories and Prizes
The Indiescreen Awards are divided into two main categories, each with a significant cash prize that underscores the importance of supporting independent producers in their creative endeavours:
- Established Producer Award: This award, accompanied by a $20,000 prize, is given to a producer (or production team) whose work reflects significant achievements in Canadian cinema. It celebrates those who have impacted the industry through their career contributions and the quality of their films.
- Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award: Named in honour of the late Kevin Tierney, a prolific producer and passionate advocate for Canadian film, this award includes a $10,000 prize. It recognizes up-and-coming producers who have shown early promise in their careers, indicating a bright future ahead in the world of filmmaking.
Partnerships
The CMPA partners with Telefilm Canada to present the Indiescreen Awards, highlighting the collaborative effort to support and promote Canadian film. Telefilm’s involvement ensures that these awards not only honour individual achievements but also contribute to the broader development and international visibility of Canadian cinema.
The 2024 Indiescreen Awards
This year’s Indiescreen Awards bring a fresh and exciting chapter to the celebration of Canadian cinema by moving the ceremony to Halifax as part of the Atlantic International Film Festival.
Location and Event Details
The Indiescreen Awards will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, as part of the AIFF, one of the most respected film festivals in the country. Scheduled for Thursday, September 12, 2024, this year’s ceremony promises to be a significant cultural event, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from across the country.
Quotes from Key Figures
The decision to host the Indiescreen Awards at AIFF has been met with enthusiasm by industry leaders. Andrew Addison, CMPA’s Vice-President of Communications, Marketing, and Membership, emphasized the success of Canadian feature films over the past year, noting that this year’s awards will showcase the exceptional talent that defines the industry. “Canadians have witnessed another phenomenal year for homegrown feature films,” said Addison. “We are thrilled to bring the CMPA’s celebration of Canadian independent feature film production to Atlantic Canada, which has a rich history of storytelling on screen.”
Martha Cooley, Executive Director of AIFF, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of hosting the awards in Halifax. “AIFF is thrilled to welcome this year’s CMPA Indiescreen Awards to Halifax,” Cooley remarked. “The CMPA Indiescreen Awards celebrate the best and brightest producing talent, and we are honoured to bring that talent to AIFF to showcase our Nova Scotian hospitality and all that our industry on the East Coast has to offer.”
Significance of the Move to Halifax
The relocation of the Indiescreen Awards to Halifax is not just a geographical change—it represents a broader recognition of the diverse regions that contribute to Canada’s film industry. By hosting the awards in Atlantic Canada, the CMPA and AIFF are acknowledging the rich cultural and cinematic heritage of the East Coast, which has produced some of the country’s most compelling films and filmmakers.
This move also underscores the inclusive nature of the Indiescreen Awards, celebrating talent from across the country and encouraging a national dialogue about the future of Canadian cinema. With this year’s event, the CMPA and AIFF aim to foster deeper connections within the industry, ensuring that voices from all regions are heard and celebrated.
Spotlight on the Nominees
As the 2024 Indiescreen Awards draw near, attention turns to the talented individuals whose work has earned them a place among this year’s nominees.
Established Producer Award Nominees
The Established Producer Award recognizes producers with a significant body of work, celebrating their achievements and contributions to Canadian film throughout their careers. The nominees for 2024 are:
- Aeschylus Poulos (Hawkeye Pictures Inc.) – Paying For It
- Alison Duke (OYA Media Group, Goldelox Productions) – Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story.
- Kyle Irving, Lisa Meeches, Rebecca Gibson (Eagle Vision) – Deaner ’89
- Marie-Claude Poulin (Sphère Media) – 1995
- Martin Katz (Prospero Pictures) – The Shrouds
Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award Nominees
The Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award highlights the next generation of Canadian filmmakers whose early work suggests a bright future ahead. The 2024 nominees are:
- Annick Blanc, Maria Gracia Turgeon (Midi La Nuit) – Hunting Daze
- Enrique Miguel Baniqued, Karen Chapman (Explorers, Smallaxx Motion Pictures) – Village Keeper
- Julie Baldassi (Younger Daughter Films Inc.) – Darkest Miriam
- Mike Johnston (Studio 104 Entertainment) – Curl Power
- Ngardy Conteh George (OYA Media Group) – A Mother Apart
Significance of the Nominations
The diversity of this year’s nominees, both in terms of their backgrounds and the stories they tell, underscores the richness of Canadian cinema. These producers, whether seasoned veterans or emerging talents are united by their commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and bringing fresh perspectives to the screen.
Their nominations are not only a recognition of individual excellence but also a celebration of the broader Canadian film industry’s health and vitality. The works of these producers contribute to the cultural fabric of the nation, offering insights into the Canadian experience while also resonating with international audiences.
The Role of the CMPA in Supporting Canadian Filmmakers
The Canadian Media Producers Association is a vital support system for Canadian filmmakers and the independent production industry, playing a multifaceted role in its growth and sustainability. As the principal trade association for independent media producers, the CMPA advocates on behalf of its member companies across television, film, and digital platforms. It influences key policies related to broadcasting, copyright, taxation, and trade, ensuring favourable conditions for the industry’s development. The CMPA also promotes the economic impact of Canadian content production, advocating for government support during disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain the sector’s health and job creation.
In addition to advocacy and economic support, the CMPA fosters professional development through mentorship programs that support emerging producers and ensure diverse voices in media. It facilitates industry networking and collaboration through major events like the Prime Time conference, while also focusing on copyright and rights management to protect creators’ intellectual property. Moreover, the CMPA enhances the international visibility of Canadian filmmakers by coordinating participation in global festivals and markets, promoting Canadian culture, and facilitating international co-productions to expand the reach of Canadian content.
Wrapping Up
The 2024 Indiescreen Awards not only celebrates the exceptional achievements of both established and emerging filmmakers but also underscores the rich diversity and creativity of Canada’s independent film industry. By highlighting the importance of regional contributions through its new Halifax venue, the awards enhance the cultural richness of Canadian storytelling and set a precedent for future events.
As the ceremony approaches, the Indiescreen Awards stand as a testament to the dynamic nature of Canadian cinema and its capacity to resonate globally. With a focus on both current successes and future potential, the 2024 Indiescreen Awards will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Canadian film, celebrating the stories that define the nation and ensuring their continued prominence on the world stage.