Toronto, ON—May 9, 2024—Women in Film & Television Toronto (WIFT+ Toronto) held their 15th Annual Showcase last night, May 8 at TIFF Lightbox. Submitted by WIFT+ Toronto members, this year’s Showcase featured nine short projects from both emerging and seasoned women and non-binary filmmakers. The night began with a screening of each project followed by an awards ceremony in which the winners for Best Directing, Best Writing, Best of Showcase, and Audience Choice were announced.
The winner for “Best Directing” went to Asis Sethi for Rock the Cradle. With this award, Sethi received a cash prize of $2,000 from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto; a virtual meeting with a DGC – Ontario director; and two Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto memberships.
Shaina Silver-Baird won “Best Writing” for Less Than Kosher (Episode 1: The Synagogue Viv Hasn’t Been to in 15 Years). With this prize, Silver-Baird accepted a cash prize of $2,000 from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto; a consultation with Script Reader and Story Editor Jamie Gaetz; and the opportunity to sit in two CBC writing rooms.
Vanessa Sandre took home the honour of “Best of Showcase” for The Pleasure is All Mine. With this prize, Sandre collected $2,000 from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto; a $2,500 certificate for post-production work at Company 3 Toronto; and a meeting with Andrew Frank, Co-President, Mongrel Media.
The final award presented was the Audience Choice, this also went to Vanessa Sandre. With this prize, Vanessa received $2,000 from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto and a gift certificate for equipment rental from Grande Camera. In celebration of WIFT+ Toronto’s 40th anniversary, Grande Camera doubled their donation to $5,000 for this year’s winner.
“This event not only encompasses WIFT+ Toronto’s mission and aim, but also gives us a chance to brag about our talented and creative members,” said Karen Bruce, Executive Director, WIFT+ Toronto. “None of this would be possible without longstanding support from the incredible sponsors and partners who have supported our member’s career advancements through the Showcase and its legacy.”
The Best in Showcase, Best Directing, and Best Writing awards are determined by a volunteer jury composed of WIFT+ Toronto members. This year’s jury members were Autumn Scott, Cynthia Crofoot, Kari Hollend, Katarzyna Anielak, Katerina Kova, Oksana Sirju, Rachel Faircloth, Sabrina Lorie, Shagun Kanwar, Shantha Roberts, and Tonjha Richardson.
The WIFT+ Toronto Showcase is supported by the following organizations: presenting sponsor, TIFF; supporting sponsor, DGC Ontario; event partner, Company 3; and event supporters, CBC, the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto, Grande Camera, Jamie Gaetz, Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto, and Mongrel Media.
Since its inception in 2010, the Showcase has screened over 100 projects to date. Having featured works from numerous award-winning and critically acclaimed filmmakers such as, Jordan Canning (The Lake), Danishka Esterhazy (Astrid & Lilly Save the World), Jasmin Mozaffari (Firecrackers), and Lisa Rideout (Sex with Sue), among others
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ABOUT WIFT+ TORONTO
Women in Film and Television – Toronto (WIFT+ Toronto) is a member-based, not-for-profit organization made up of passionate individuals who are dedicated to the education, engagement, and empowerment of all individuals at every stage of their careers in the screen-based media industry. It is WIFT+ Toronto’s mission to build and advance the careers of their members by providing professional development, peer support, and mentorship in collaboration with industry partners.
For more information, please contact:
Simi Khosa (they/them)
Communications & Social Media Coordinator
WIFT+ Toronto
647-895-3351
communications@wift.com
