Photo courtesy Telefilm Canada and Birks
Canadian women will have a chance to shine at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), thanks to an event organized by Birks Group and Telefilm Canada. Honourees have been named for the Birks Diamond Tribute to the Year’s Women in Film, which offers recognition and cash prizes to outstanding women in Canada’s film industry, including directors, actors, screenwriters, and emerging talent.
“This year in particular we are very proud to be supporting Canadian female talent within the film industry,” said Eva Hartling, brand vice-president and chief marketing officer for Birks. “Our annual event in partnership with Telefilm Canada highlights the diversity and power that is setting a new standard both in Canada and abroad.”
Selected by a panel of 23 judges based in journalism, radio, and blogging, the 2018 honourees are:
- director Nettie Wild;
- actor Tantoo Cardinal;
- actor Pascale Bussières;
- screenwriter Susan Coyne;
- emerging director Stella Meghie; and
- emerging director Jeanne Leblanc.
“This year’s recipients are truly inspirational, representing both the diversity and depth of talent in our industry, and stand as examples other women can aspire to,” said Christa Dickenson, Telefilm Canada’s executive director.
Other participants in the judging process include the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television, and Radio Artists (ACTRA), Association des réalisateurs et réalisatrices du Québec (ARRQ), Directors Guild of Canada (DGC), Société des auteurs de radio, télévision, et cinéma (SARTEC), and Writers Guild of Canada.
The six honourees will be celebrated at a private function, to be held at the Atrium @ Ricarda’s in Toronto on September 10.
