TORONTO, February 11, 2022 – The Canadian Media Producers Association today (CMPA) announced Anand Ramayya and the producing trio, Kate Kroll, Rylan Friday and Trevor Mack, as the recipients of its annual Indiescreen Awards. The winners were announced as part of the CMPA’s closing reception for its annual Prime Time conference, held virtually this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anand Ramayya (Karma Film Inc.) was named the recipient of the Established Producer Award, honouring his significant filmmaking accomplishments achieved during the course of his career, as well as his commitment to the production community. With a passion for inclusive stories and original voices, Ramayya has produced numerous films including Brotherhood (2019), Chokeslam (2016), Wapos Bay: Long Goodbyes (2011), and Mad Cow Sacred Cow (2009). His latest feature film, Donkeyhead, premiered at the Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival and was recently acquired by Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY Releasing. The winner of the Established Producer Award receives a $10,000 cash prize.

Kate Kroll, Rylan Friday, and Trevor Mack (Portraits From a Fire Productions Inc.) were awarded the Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award, which includes a $5,000 prize, for their impressive filmmaking achievements and remarkable potential demonstrated in their early-career work. Their latest film, Portraits From a Fire, screened at several film festivals across North America including its official theatrical premiere at VIFF 2021 and its selection as the opening film of the 2021 Edmonton International Film Festival.

“Canada’s independent producers continue to persevere and work innovatively, thinking outside the box to weather the hardships that have challenged the production industry during the pandemic,” said the CMPA’s President and CEO Reynolds Mastin. “Congratulations to the winners announced today who exemplify the very creative nature and ambitious dedication that will continue to inspire the Canadian film industry for years to come.”

To be eligible for this year’s awards, the nominees must have held the role of lead producer on a Canadian feature film that premiered in the 2021 calendar year. The Indiescreen Awards, which typically take place in September, pivoted to a virtual format due to the ongoing pandemic.

The award nominees were selected by two national juries that also determined the nominee shortlist announced in January. The Established and Emerging juries were chaired by last year’s CMPA Indiescreen Award winners, Jennifer Holness and Dominique Dussault. The CMPA thanks the 2021 jury members for their time and commitment.

Established Producer Award Jury:

• Jennifer Holness (Jury Chair and 2020 Established Producer Award winner)
• Dennis Foon
• Lalita Krishna
• Andrea Menard
• Lauren Whitelaw

Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award Jury:

• Dominique Dussault (Jury Chair and 2020 Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award winner)
• Andrew Barnsley
• Deanna Cadette
• Connor Jessup
• Nafisa Murji

More information about the CMPA Indiescreen Awards can be found here.

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ABOUT THE CMPA
The Canadian Media Producers Association is the national advocacy organization for independent producers, representing hundreds of companies engaged in the development, production, and distribution of English-language content made for television, cinema, and digital media channels. We work to promote the continued success of the Canadian production sector and to ensure a bright future for the diverse content made by our members for both domestic and international audiences. cmpa.ca. cmpa.ca

For more information:

Gamiela Fereg
Senior Manager, Media Relations & Communications, CMPA
gamiela.fereg@cmpa.ca