Toronto, ON—May 14, 2026—Women in Film & Television – Toronto (WIFT+ Toronto) proudly announced the winners of the 17th Annual Showcase Awards held on May 13, 2026, at Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre Toronto. The annual event spotlighted six standout projects created by WIFT+ Toronto members, celebrating the next generation of Canadian filmmakers.
Kristina Mileska received the Best Writing Award for Blood or Water, which included $3,000 from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto, the opportunity to sit in a CBC drama or comedy writers’ room, Final Draft 13 writing software, and a TIFF Industry Membership.
Samiramis Kia won the Best Directing Award for Last Resort, with $3,000 from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto, a $3,000 certificate towards camera equipment rentals from Ontario Camera, a meeting with a DGC Ontario director, a membership for the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT), and a TIFF Industry Membership.
Bracken Burns took home the Best of Showcase Award for the animated series peopleWatching, while Christina Ienna received an honourable mention for Surfistas. Burns received $3,000 from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto, a meeting with Andrew Frank, Co-president of Mongrel Media, $2,500 worth of post production services from Company 3, and a TIFF industry membership.
Finally, the Audience Choice Award went to Sarah D’Ambrosio for Good Vibes Only. This included $3,000 from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto, a $3,000 certificate towards camera equipment rentals from Ontario Camera, a membership for the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT), and a TIFF Industry Membership.
Winners for Best of Showcase, Best Directing, and Best Writing were selected by a volunteer jury of WIFT+ Toronto members. This year’s jury included Vanessa Case, Sadie Connolly, Nadia Dalimonte, Sonya Davidson, Fiona Highet, Zanda Kakaliia, Jennifer Mesich, Lakshmi Nair, Lanette Ware-Bushfield, Katelyn Wells, and Erin Williams-Weir.
“Each year, our Showcase reminds us of the incredible talent within our community and the creators who are redefining Canadian storytelling across genres. It’s always inspiring to see audiences connect with these stories in real time. Congratulations to all of this year’s filmmakers and award winners, and thank you to our sponsors, supporters, jury members, and volunteers for making this event possible.”
— Karen Bruce, Executive Director, WIFT+ Toronto
Since launching in 2010, the WIFT+ Toronto Showcase has become a flagship event for the organization, presenting more than 135 projects and championing the careers of emerging and established creators alike. In the last five years, WIFT+ Toronto has awarded more than $90,000 in cash and in-kind prizes at our annual Showcase, through support from the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto and our generous donors.
The 2026 WIFT+ Toronto Showcase is supported by the following organizations: Presenting Sponsor, Cineplex; Supporting Sponsor, Hollywood Suite; Event Partner, Company 3; and Event Supporters, CBC, DGC Ontario, the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto, Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT), Mongrel Media, Ontario Camera, and Suzanne K. Taylor.
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 its members by providing professional development, peer support, and mentorship in collaboration with industry partners.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR WIFT+ TORONTO
The Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto raises funds to enable the organization to carry out its mission of building and advancing the careers of WIFT+ Toronto members by providing professional development scholarships, membership bursaries, festival scholarships & financial aid, mentorship and networking opportunities, peer support, and cash awards presented at our annual Showcase. We are proud to be a leader in building an equitable, inclusive, and accessible space where individuals can safely learn and grow their careers. Please consider making a donation.
For more information, please contact:
Sora Chung
Communications & Social Media Coordinator
WIFT+ Toronto
647-895-3351
