TORONTO – The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) announced the winners of the 2018 CMPA Indiescreen Awards in an afternoon ceremony Thursday that marked the opening of the annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Established in 2005, the CMPA Indiescreen Awards recognize producers whose vision and entrepreneurship demonstrate a commitment and passion for producing Canadian feature films. Producers must have a film selected for screening at TIFF in order to be eligible for nomination. The winner of the Established Producer Award receives $10,000 and the winner of the newly dedicated Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award receives $5,000.
Simone Urdl and Jennifer Weiss (The Film Farm) were named joint winners of the CMPA’s Established Producer Award in recognition of their impressive collective body of work, which has helped define Canadian film on the world stage.
Caitlin Grabham (Prowler Film) was the recipient of the Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award for her inspiring early-career accomplishments and bright future as an influential filmmaker. The award is named for the late Canadian film producer, best known for his seminal bilingual work Bon Cop Bad Cop.
“It’s an honour today to celebrate Simone and Jennifer’s inspiring 20-year production partnership, and the fresh, innovative work of Caitlin, one of Canada’s most impressive up-and-coming feature film producers,” said CMPA president and CEO Reynolds Mastin, in the announcement. “The remarkable work of these three women showcases the best Canadian cinema has to offer.”
In photo, from l to r: CMPA president and CEO Reynolds Mastin; Established Producer Award co-winner Simone Urdl; Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award winner Caitlin Grabham; Established Producer Award co-winner Jennifer Weiss; and TIFF's artistic director Cameron Bailey
