Deborah Chow has taken TIFF’s Best Canadian First Feature prize for her first feature film, The High Cost Of Living. The recognition comes with a $15,000 cash prize.

“Just getting into the festival was a feat unto itself,” noted Chow, “and so it’s a crazy unexpected privilege to win this award. There were so many great Canadian first features in the festival this year, that it’s truly an honor to receive this award amidst such outstanding company.”

Living was produced through Montreal’s Suki Films (Kimberley Berlin and Susan Schneir producers), in association with TMN and Movie Central. Chow wrote and directed the feature. Filmoption International will handle the release internationally.