Janet Crystal Yorga was a creative writer and entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling. Born in Rockglen, Saskatchewan, she moved to Ottawa where she worked on a variety of creative projects, including a documentary series. She had completed a number of feature film scripts when she died of breast cancer on March 30, 2010, at the age of 43.

This bursary was created by Janet’s husband to honour her gift for writing, her determination in pursuing her passion under adverse circumstances, and her commitment to bringing more Prairie-inspired and Western Canada voices to the national stage. 

About the Bursary  

The Janet Crystal Yorga Memorial Bursary supports one producer/writer team, with a feature-length project in development, for the WIFT-T Development Incubator. To be eligible for the bursary, at least one person in the applicant team (writer or producer) must be a woman, and both team members must be residents of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta or British Columbia.

The WIFT-T Development Incubator is a national competitive program designed to kick start market-driven feature films and support the next generation of Canadian feature film professionals. Up to six producer/writer teams receive the opportunity to work with Canadian and international producers, development executives and story editors. The full-day program takes place June 19-22, 2012, in downtown Toronto.   

The bursary covers round-trip economy flights and the full program fee. The bursary does not include accommodation in Toronto or transportation to and from airports or the program venue. The program requires a minimum three night stay.   

Applications Closed for 2012

Applications for the 2012 program are now closed. A selection committee composed of national industry representatives and WIFT-T staff will review applications. Candidates will be notified of the jury’s selections in early May. For more information, contact Renee Robinson at rrobinson@wift.com.

• 2012 Janet Crystal Yorga Memorial Bursary Guidelines

Letter from the 2011 Recipients

[The WIFT Development Incubator] was an incredibly beneficial experience for Teri and I, and we feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate. The workshop was first class in terms of its presenters, content, and overall organization. I truly feel that our experience was exactly what we needed at this stage in our careers to elevate us to the next level. It really couldn’t have come at better time for us!

We are deeply honored and grateful to have been the first awarded prairie team for the Janet Crystal Yorga Memorial Bursary. Without the financial support of the bursary, none of this would have been possible, and I can honestly say that this has been one of the highlights of my producing career. The lectures, training, networking and feedback we received on our project were first rate, incredibly informative, and essential to building the knowledge and confidence we need to move this project ahead into production.

This bursary gives the opportunity of a lifetime for young producer/writing teams to kick-start their careers, and can mean all the difference for future success in this industry. Thank you so much for this opportunity of a lifetime!

Stephen Huszar and Teri Armitage, Hulo Films