Spotlight Awards 2009
Join us, along with host, acclaimed Canadian Actress Molly Parker, as we celebrate our 20th year!
Established in 1989, the Spotlight Awards have brought together filmmakers, the film industry, government and media to celebrated the outstanding achievements of BC women and men in screen-based media. Conceived as an event to recognize and promote exceptional professionals in film and television, the Spotlight Awards are acknowledged today as one of the industry's most prestigious accolades.
Since 1989, more than 100 remarkable people have received Spotlight Awards. Many of today's outstanding filmmakers and industry leaders are past recipients of a Spotlight Award -- a testament of women's contributions to Canada's entertainment community.
This year's awards will be presented at a Gala Ceremony on March 7th, 2009, at the Vancity Theatre @ 6:30pm."It's an honour and a priviledge to celebrate such well-respected and talented women and men in our industry. This year's winners are an incredibly inspiring group. Congratulations!" Peggy Thompson, WIFTV President.
Women In Film & Television Vancouver is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 Spotlight Awards! The 20th Anniversary winners, selected by a Jury of WIFTV Board Members, are:
Woman of the Year
Babz Chula, renowned actor, activist and teacher, for her support of the indie film community for over twenty years, including the recent collaboration on the Carl Bessai film, Mothers and Daughters. Also, for her mentoring work such as her supportive role on Larry Lynn's film/website and Digital Filmmaking and Media Literacy Program at the Burnaby Youth Custody Centre, a maximum security prison for youth aged 12 to 18. Babz continues to build community awareness about cancer with her project Artists for Life and was an early Board Member of WIFTV.
Woman of Vision (Special Jury Prize)
Amanda Tapping, actor, director and producer, for her ground-breaking work on Sanctuary and having the vision to grow the series from webcast to broadcast. Amanda is also a well-know mentor in the Vancouver film community and a great teller of women's stories.
Artistic Achievement Award
Maureen Medved, screenwriter, for the great rendering of a female story in The Tracy Fragments, a fearless exploration into the heart and mind of a young woman, starring Ellen Page. "Fierce, enigmatic and affecting" A.O. Scott, The New York times.
The Wayne Black Service Award
Shauna Hardy Mishaw, Co-founder and Director of the Whistler Film Festival, for her behind the scenes and yet crucial role in creating a destination festival celebrating Canadian indie filmmakers and bolstering the BC film industry.
Honorary Friend
John Dippong, Telefilm Canada, for his decades-long advocacy for, and guidance of, the Vancouver independent film community. John has worked hard and long to support emerging and western talent and established veterans.
Sharon Gibbon Lifetime Member Award
Jacqui Ellis, Accountant, for her unstinting volunteer efforts at countless WIFTV events over an extended period of time.
The Kodak Image Award
Moira Simpson, one of Canada's most respected documentary DOP/directors. As Filmmaker in Residence with Fearless City Mobile, Moira is facilitating the use of mobile phone technology with residents of the Downtown Eastside. Through interactive live streaming and creating short video documentaries they are crossing the digital divide and telling their own stories.
Special Jury Award for Lifetime Contribution
Al Parsons, recently retired from the National Film Board of Canada, for his support of Vancouver filmmakers and producers and is an enormous ally of Women In Film & Television Vancouver.
Women In Film & Television Vancouver would like to congratulate the Spotlight Award Winners, both past and present, and look forward celebrating your success at the Spotlight Awards Gala!
Tickets for The Spotlight Awards Gala available online here