Twelve Canadian female directors, screenwriters, and actors making their mark in cinema will be celebrated at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
Telefilm Canada, a federal cultural agency that helps fund and promote Canadian film, and Birks Group, a jewelry company, have teamed up for the fourth year in a row to fete Canadian women for their artistic achievements both on screen and behind the camera.
The 2016 recipients include directors Tracey Deer (“Mohawk Girls”), April Mullen (“Below Her Mouth”), and Ann Shin (“My Enemy, My Brother”); actresses Sandra Oh (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and Amanda Crew (“Silicon Valley”); and the Oscar-nominated screenwriter of “Room,” Emma Donoghue
The recipients will be paid tribute to on September 12 at an invite-only event in Toronto. Last year’s honorees included directors Patricia Rozema (“Into the Forest”) and Sophie Deraspe (“A Gay Girl in Damascus”).
“The 2016 edition of the Birks Diamond Tribute to the Year’s Women in Film showcases diversity — that of our industry and our country,” said Carolle Brabant, Telefilm Canada’s Executive Director. “Among the honorees are rising stars and established talent, as well as filmmakers who have distinguished themselves in a wide variety of genres and styles.” She emphasized, “It is essential to promote the dynamism that these women bring to cinema, both at home and abroad. They are true stars and we want all Canadians to be proud of them!”
Check out the names and bios of all 12 awardees below, courtesy of a press release.
Amanda Crew, actor, is well known for her performance in the comedy “Sex Drive,” which was followed by a role in the supernatural thriller “The Haunting in Connecticut.” She also played the lead in the films “Repeaters, Sisters & Brothers” and “Charlie Zone.” Since 2014, she has been portraying Monica on the HBO sitcom “Silicon Valley.”
Tracey Deer, director, has made fiction films and the documentaries “Club Native” and “Mohawk Girls,” the latter of which she turned into a TV series. Her work has been honoured with two Gemini awards and has earned acclaim at the Hot Docs festival. She has worked with the CBC, the National Film Board of Canada and independent production companies. In 2008, “Playback” declared her one of the rising stars in the entertainment industry.
Caroline Dhavernas, actor, has over 50 film and television credits to her name. She is the recipient of two Gémeaux Awards for the series “Zap” and “Tag,” and has also drawn praise for her work on “Mars et Avril” and “Blue Moon.” Her American filmography includes the series “Wonderfalls” and “Hannibal,” as well as the film “Hollywoodland” with Adrien Brody.
Emma Donoghue, scriptwriter, is also a very successful novelist. She adapted the script for “Room,” the Canadian-Irish coproduction that won at the Oscars and at the Canadian Screen Awards, from one of her novels. The film was nominated for more than 100 awards from around the world. She has also written a short film, “Pluck,” and is working on the screen adaptation of her latest book, “Frog Music.”
Ann Marie Fleming, director, has over 30 award-winning films to her credit, focusing on family, history and identity. In June 2016, her film “Window Horses” was shown in competition at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. In 2010, “I Was a Child of Holocaust Survivors” made the Toronto International Film Festival’s Canada’s Top Ten list.
Christine Horne, actor, has worked in film, television and theatre. She is known for her outstanding performance in “The Captive,” “Hyena Road,” and “Stories We Tell” and has also appeared on “Republic of Doyle.” She won a Best Performance Canadian Screen Award for her guest role in the TV series, “Remedy.”
April Mullen, director, has just completed the feature film “Below Her Mouth,” which was shot entirely by an all-female crew. Previously, “Dead Before Dawn 3D” marked Mullen as the first-ever woman to direct a live-action stereoscopic 3D feature and took home the Perron Crystal Award. Her other films include 88, which has sold in over 22 territories, and “Badsville,” slated to begin its festival run this year.
Sandra Oh, actor, known for roles in award-winning television series and feature films including “Double Happiness,” “Last Night,” “Sideways,” “Rabbit Hole,” among others. One of her most notable roles includes her portrayal of fan favorite “Dr. Cristina Yang” in the long running, hit series “Grey’s Anatomy,” for which she garnered Golden Globe, Emmy and SAG award nominations. Most recently, she stars as the voice of “Rosie Ming” in Ann Marie Fleming’s upcoming animated film “Window Horses,” which she also produced.
Jennifer Podemski, actor, has enjoyed a 25-year career and in recent years has appeared in “Jimmy P.,” “Take This Waltz,” “Empire of Dirt,” and “Fire Song. “She was co-executive producer of the Indspire Awards, which recognizes achievements made by Indigenous Canadians, and is host of “Seventh Generation,” a television series for Aboriginal youth who speak Hebrew and Ojibwa/Saulteaux.
Léa Pool, director, has made her mark on Canadian cinema history with over 15 works. Her latest offering, “La Passion d’Augustine,” took home six awards at the Gala du cinéma québécois, including Best Film. She has garnered tremendous international acclaim for films such as “Emporte-moi,” “La Femme de l’hôtel” and the documentary “L’Industrie du ruban rose.”
Ann Shin, director, has recently helmed “My Enemy, My Brother,” the 2016 Oscar-nominated documentary short, and “The Defector: Escape from North Korea.” She has won three Canadian Screen Awards including the Diversity Award. Her talent is also celebrated in Asia.
Marie Vien, scriptwriter, made quite the debut with her work on “La Passion d’Augustine,” winner of Best Film at the 2016 Gala du cinéma québécois as well as the Audience Award at the Mill Valley Film Festival. She has also created many variety shows and enjoyed renown for her work on youth documentary series, including “M’aimes-tu?”
