Announced at a ceremony on the opening evening of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Winnipeg-headquartered prodco Frantic Films was named the recipient of the inaugural TV Producer Indiescreen Award.

Headed by CEO and Executive Producer Jamie Brown, Frantic Films has been producing award-winning series for over 25 years, including Still Standing, which is now in its 11th season; Baroness Von Sketch Show; Winnipeg Comedy Festival; and cult classic sci-fi comedy Todd and the Book of Pure Evil, among many others. Frantic Films was awarded a $20,000 cash prize, accepted by company president Stephanie Fast.

Paula Devonshire was named the recipient of the 2025 Feature Film Producer Indiescreen Award. Devonshire’s projects have screened at festivals including Venice, Sundance, and TIFF, including Survival of the Dead (2009), Wet Bum (2014), and Atom Egoyan’s Remember (2015), starring Christopher Plummer. Recently, she has served as an executive producer on Steal Away (2025), Nika & Madison (2025), and Blood Lines (2025), all of which are set to premiere this year at TIFF. Her latest project, Blood Lines (2025), explores Métis identity, culture, and language. Devonshire was awarded a $20,000 cash prize.

Leena Minifie is the recipient of the 2025 Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Indiescreen Award. The CMPA says the Vancouver-based producer was recognized for her dedication to craft and thoughtful approach, demonstrating a versatility of work to come. Minifie’s project, The Good Canadian (2025), a meticulously researched and artfully crafted documentary, traces the legacy of the Indian Act and systemic dispossession of Indigenous people, set to premiere on APTN later this month. Minifie was awarded a $10,000 cash prize.

The award winners were selected by three national juries. To be eligible, nominees must have acted as a producer on a Canadian feature film or series that premiered in the 2025 calendar year.

“With national pride reaching record levels across the country, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Canada’s outstanding producing talent,” said Reynolds Mastin, CMPA President and CEO. “This year’s Indiescreen Awards winners embody the creativity, grit and skill that define what it means to be an independent media producer in Canada today. Congratulations to Paula, Leena, and Frantic Films for their exceptional ability to connect and inspire.”

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Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, TIFF describes the documentary as “a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Canadian icon, with stories and memories from Candy’s family, closest friends, and longtime collaborators.”

“Comedy fans all over the world grew up on John Candy’s humour,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF, in a festival announcement. “We love that John’s global career started in Toronto, and we can’t wait to share John Candy: I Like Me with everyone at this year’s Opening Night Gala premiere. Colin Hanks has made a hugely entertaining film packed with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but like John, this movie is all heart. For us, it’s the perfect way to kick off TIFF’s 50th edition.”

“When you hear the name John Candy, your face lights up. He wasn’t just a great actor; he was an even better person,” added Hanks and Reynolds. “People loved his everyman qualities, but they didn’t know how relatable John really was. He went through the same struggles we all do, except now we talk about them. We are incredibly honoured to have gotten to know the man better through this process and to bring the real John Candy to audiences starting with his hometown of Toronto.”

Co-executive produced by the late comedian’s children Chris Candy and Jennifer Candy-Sullivan, and his widow, Rosemary Candy, the film documents the actor’s on- and off-camera persona, incorporating home videos and candid recollections.

The Amazon MGM title is set to debut on Prime Video on Oct. 10 worldwide.

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Sanchez succeeds Interim Executive Director Janice Dawe, who has held the position for the last 10 months. The former TIFF programmer will take up her new role on March 31, overseeing the strategic direction and management of the annual Hot Docs Festival, conference and market, as well as Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and the organization’s industry and public facing programs and activities.

Hot Docs says Dawe’s will lead the organization into a period of ​”rebuilding and ​​​reimagining, championing new initiatives and expanding the Festival’s global impact.”

​​​“On behalf of the Board, we are thrilled to welcome Diana to Hot Docs. We are confident that her leadership will usher in an exciting new era for the organization,” said Board Co-Chair Nicholas de Pencier, in an announcement. “Diana brings passion, vast experience in the industry​,​ and ​an ​unwavering commitment to ​the power that ​film​ has to bring people together and ​​effect positive change. We look forward to her vital contribution in​ reshaping Hot Docs’ future, strengthening our Festival and Cinema​, and ​continuing to champion filmmakers in Canada and beyond. Her vision will ​help Hot Docs ​amplify diverse voices, connect audiences with vital stories​,​ and foster meaningful dialogue that sparks empathy and understanding.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Hot Docs team at such a pivotal moment,” said Sanchez. “Storytelling has the power to rediscover, reimagine, and bring fresh perspectives to the world around us. In that same spirit, Hot Docs is stepping into an exciting new chapter—one of growth, transformation and renewed vision. As documentary cinema continues to evolve, I’m eager to champion bold voices, embrace fresh ideas and foster meaningful connections—both within our local community and across the global documentary landscape. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Hot Docs to shape a dynamic and inclusive future for documentary storytelling.”

Sanchez is the former Senior Director of Film at TIFF, where she was an international programmer for over 17 years. She’s worked with film and culture organizations globally, including the Madrid Film Archive, Rotterdam Film Festival, Miami Film Festival, Houston Latin Wave at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Los Angeles Latino Film Festival (LALIFF) and IFF Panama, where she was the festival’s Founding Artistic Director. She holds an MA in Cinema Studies from the University of Toronto and has lectured extensively, most recently leading the first season of U of T’s ‘Pop-Up’ Cinematheque, developing a partnership between the Media Commons Archives and the Cinema Studies Institute to showcase the Archives’ collection.

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