Paula Devonshire, at Devonshire Productions, has won the Canadian Media Producers Association’s (CMPA) 2025 Feature Film Producer Indiescreen Award.
The plaudit was announced Sept. 4 at the Indiescreen Awards, held at a packed ceremony at the Sutton Place Hotel on the opening evening of the 50th annual Toronto Film Festival.
The award, which recognizes a producer’s filmmaking accomplishments over the course of their career, comes with a C$20,000 (14,493) cash prize and is presented in partnership with Telefilm Canada.
Recognized by the jury for her personal and purposeful body of work that consistently highlights diverse voices and untold stories, the Toronto-based Devonshire serves as executive producer on Clement Virgo’s “Steal Away,” Eva Thomas’s “Nika & Madison,” and Gail Maurice’s “Blood Lines,” all of which are premiering at this year’s festival.
Vancouver-based Leena Minifie, from Stories First Productions, was the recipient of the CMPA’s 2025 Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Indiescreen Award, which recognizes the impressive potential of an up-and-coming producer and comes with a C$10,000 prize ($7,246), presented in partnership with the Canadian Media Fund.
Minifie was recognized for her dedication to craft and thoughtful approach, demonstrating a versatility of work to come. Her latest film, “The Good Canadian,” was described by the jury as a meticulously researched and artfully crafted documentary that traces the legacy of the Indian Act and the systemic dispossession of Indigenous people. It premieres on Canada’s APTN on September 30.
At the ceremony, Devonshire remarked on the significant fact that two Indigenous women won the CMPA’s film producer awards for the first time in the event’s history.
Winnipeg’s Frantic Films, headed by CEO and executive producer Jamie Brown, was the recipient of the CMPA’s inaugural TV Producer Indiescreen Award.
A leader in Canadian independent production for over 25 years, Frantic Films is known for its visionary and entrepreneurial spirit. Popular Frantic shows over the years include “Baroness Von Sketch Show” and the cult classic sci-fi comedy “Todd and the Book of Pure Evil.” The long-running series “Still Standing” was noted at the ceremony as reflecting a profound understanding of the Canadian experience and the company’s commitment to authentic and impactful storytelling.
Frantic Films’ company president Stephanie Fast accepted the $20,000 cash prize, which was presented in partnership with the Canada Media Fund.
“With national pride reaching record levels across the country, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Canada’s outstanding producing talent,” CMPA President and CEO Reynolds Mastin said. “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.”
Juries for the three awards selected the winners from a previously announced shortlist of nominees.
The CMPA is the country’s leading member-based advocacy organization for independent producers.
