For Immediate Release
October 5, 2010

Toronto, ON – Women in Film & Television – Toronto (WIFT-T) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2010 Crystal Awards. The awards will be presented at a gala luncheon on Monday, December 6 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

“This year, the jury chose a documentary maker with a focus on difficult social justice issues, an agent who consistently champions and mentors women writers, and an entrepreneur who continues to blaze trails during a very daunting time in the screen-based industry,” says Sadia Zaman, WIFT-T Executive Director. “Despite huge odds, all three women remain committed to a creative, vibrant industry that supports all of us. It is an honour to be able to recognize their work with a Crystal Award.”

The 2010 Crystal Award winners are:

Outstanding Achievement Award
LAURIE MAY, Co-President & Co-Founder, Maple Pictures Corp.

Creative Excellence Award
SHELLEY SAYWELL, Filmmaker & President, Bishari Films

Mentorship Award
LESLEY HARRISON, President, Harrison Artist Management

Biographies and photos are available here.

Crystal Award winners are selected by an independent jury of screen-based industry professionals. WIFT-T would like to extend a sincere thank you to members of the 2010 jury: Tassie Cameron, Kit Redmond, Ana Serrano and Barb Williams.

The annual Crystal Awards bring together industry, government and media professionals from across the country to recognize the extraordinary achievements of Canadian women in screen-based media. Established in 1988, the Crystal Awards are acknowledged today as one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades.

More than 100 remarkable women and men have received a Crystal Award, including many of today’s senior executives and industry leaders—a testament to the impact of women on the Canadian screen-based industry and the global entertainment community at large. Click here for a full list of Crystal Awards Alumni.

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