News Updates

Manitoba Talent Shines at Home and Abroad

Posted on September 20, 2012

Creating a Buzz at TIFF

Winnipeg filmmaker Deco Dawson, who has showcased eight of his works at the festival, won the Best Short Film prize at TIFF for Keep a Modest Head. His film is a portrait of artist Jean Benoît, the last official member of the French Surrealist group. This is the second win for Dawson, who was recognized at the festival in 2001 for his short FILM(dzama), a portrait of artist Marcel Dzama.

Writer Jonas Chernick and Director Sean Garrity also found success at this year’s festival. The creators of My Awkward Sexual Adventure were both signed with The Gersh Agency, one of the ‘Top 5’ Hollywood agencies. With offices in Los Angeles and New York, The Gersh Agency has a specific comedy division that represents Drew Carey, Jamie Fox and many others. My Awkward Sexual Adventure also enjoyed sold-out screenings at TIFF and a fantastic industry buzz.

Local Actors Honoured

Manitoba’s actors were celebrated Saturday night at the ACTRA Manitoba Awards Gala. Over 200 members of the film and television industry gathered to recognize local acting talent on the silver screen.

The Most Outstanding Performance by a Female Artist award went to Kristen Harris for her performance in the Manitoba film Passionflower. Mike Bell was awarded Most Outstanding Performance by a Male Artist for his work in Lucky Christmas. The Wayne Nicklas Award For Outstanding and Ongoing Contribution to ACTRA Manitoba went to local stunt coordinator Rick Skene. Wayne Nicklas was a prominent and beloved local actor on both screen and stage whose dedication to the arts is being recognized through this award.