Paula Devonshire from Devonshire Productions was awarded the Canadian Media Producer Association (CMPA) 2025 Feature Film Producer Indiescreen Award.
The praise was announced on September 4th at the Indie Screen Awards and was held at a packed ceremony at the Sutton Place Hotel in the opening evening of the 50th Toronto Film Festival.
The award is awarded a $20,000 (14,493) prize in collaboration with Telefilm Canada, recognizing the producer’s filmmaking achievements over the course of his career.
Toronto-based Devonshire has been recognized by the ju-described for his personal, purposeful work that emphasizes a consistently diverse voice and untold stories, and is the executive producer of Eva Thomas’ Nica & Madison and Gale Maurice’s “Bloodline” in Clement Virgo’s “Theft.”
Based in Vancouver at Stories First Productions, Leena Minify was the recipient of the CMPA’s 2025 Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Indiescreen Award. This will recognize the impressive potential of up-and-coming producers and present a C$10,000 prize ($7,246) in collaboration with the Canadian Media Fund.
Minifi is recognized for its dedication to craft and thoughtful approach, indicating the diversity of work to come. Her latest film, The Good Canadian, was described by the ju-described as a meticulously crafted documentary that traces the legacy of Indian acts and the systematic confiscation of indigenous peoples. It will premiere on September 30th at APTN, Canada.
At the ceremony, Devonshire mentioned the important fact that the two Indigenous women were the first in the history of the event to win the CMPA Film Producer Award.
Winnipeg’s Frantic Films, led by CEO and executive producer Jamie Brown, was the recipient of CMPA’s first TV producer, Indiescreen Award.
For over 25 years, Canada’s leader in independent production, the desperate film is known for its foresight and entrepreneurial spirit. Long-standingly popular desperate shows include “Barones von Sketch Show” and the cult classic sci-fi comedy “Todd and the Book of Pure Evil.” The long-term series, Still Standing, was noted at the ceremony as reflecting Canadian experience and a deep understanding of the company’s commitment to authentic, impactful storytelling.
Stephanie, president of Frantic Films, has won the $20,000 prize, announced in collaboration with the Canadian Media Fund.
“With national pride reaching record levels across the nation, we are excited to highlight Canada’s outstanding production talent,” said Reynolds Mastin, president and CEO of CMPA. “The winners of this year’s Indiescreen Awards embody the creativity, grit and skills that define what it means to be an independent media producer in Canada today. Congratulations on Paula, Lina and her ability to connect and inspire desperate films.”
The ju umpire for the three awards selected the winner from the previously announced nominee list.
CMPA is one of the nation’s leading membership-based advocacy organizations for independent producers.
