"WIFT-T Showcase presents the possibility of opportunity," says Jessica Hinkson in our 10th anniversary celebration reel (produced by Vice). It's a perfect summation of the Showcase's legacy. For many emerging filmmakers, it's the first time seeing their work on the big screen—sharing with family, friends, and our community—for others it's the start of new adventures and partnerships.

Over 75 projects have screened since the Showcase launched in 2010, including projects by: Lisa Baylin, Jordan Canning, Nikila Cole, Danishka Esterhazy, Lauren Grant, Kathleen Hepburn, Renuka Jeyapalan, Amy Jo Johnson, Gloria Kim, Michele Latimer, Jennifer Liao, Lea Marin, Molly McGlynn, Jasmin Mozaffari, Nimisha Mukerji, Shaleen Sangha, Nadine Valcin, and Dawn Wilkinson.  

For a second year, thanks to your generous donations to the Foundation for WIFT-T, we were able to award cash prizes to the winners of the Showcase. We applaud all the filmmakers who submitted their work, and those who were selected this year. Thank you for sharing your work. We look forward to following all your careers and cheering you on as you grow as leading voices in our industry.

Here are our 2019 winners:

Best Screenplay

Supported by Final Draft, the Toronto Screenwriting Conference, the CBC, and the Foundation for WIFT-T.

WINNER: Lessons Injustice, written by Karen Chapman and Danardo Jones.

The winner of the Best Screenplay Award received a prize package, which includes: a complimentary pass to the 2019 Toronto Screenwriting Conference; a copy of Final Draft 10 Pro; a day in the writer’s rooms of the CBC original comedy series Kim’s Convenience, and new original drama, Coroner; a consultation session with story editor, Jamie Gaetz, as well as a $2,000 cash prize from the Foundation for WIFT-T.

Best of Showcase

Supported by Deluxe Toronto, Mongrel Media, and the Foundation for WIFT-T.

WINNER: Mustard Seed, directed by Lina Roessler; produced by Fabian Martin Diering & Lina Roessler

The winner of the Best of Showcase Award received a prize package, which includes: access to postproduction services valued at $2,500 from Deluxe Toronto; a meeting with Andrew Frank, Vice President, Sales and Acquisitions at Mongrel Media; a WIFT-T programming pass, valued at $300; and a $2,000 cash prize from the Foundation for WIFT-T.

Audience Choice

Supported by Dazmo Camera, the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT), and the Foundation for WIFT-T.

WINNER: Turning Tables, directed by Chrisann Hessing; produced by Tanya Hoshi.

The winner of the Audience Choice Award received a prize package, which includes: an equipment rental voucher from Dazmo Camera, valued at $2,500.00; a $200 workshop voucher from the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT); and a cash prize of $1,000 from the Foundation for WIFT-T.

The Best Screenplay and Best of Showcase award winners were decided upon by our volunteer Showcase Selection Committee, comprised of ten WIFT-T members: Althea Manasan, digital producer/filmmaker; Gina Power, entertainment executive & media consultant; Jennifer Irons, writer/producer; Karen Moore, writer/filmmaker; Katie Elder, Interim Manager, Member Relations, The Canadian Academy; Olena Decock, Industry Programmer, Hot Docs; Rebecca Grenier, writer; Samantha Haggart, investigator, Global Content Protection, MPAA; Sarah Quan, producer; and Susan Alexander, production executive, original content, scripted, Corus Entertainment. Thank you for your time and commitment.

Also, thank you to our presenting partner, Urban Post Production; supporting partners, Sim International and Western Union; and event partner, Deluxe Toronto. Your commitment to women's advancement in Canadian media and entertainment is deeply appreciated.

Finally, a huge thanks to our volunteers, staff, board and everyone who showed up to support and champion women's voices.