Inescapable producer Daniel Iron on Thursday won the $10,000 CMPA Producer’s Award from his peers.

The Canadian Media Production Association presented the founder and president of Toronto-based Foundry Films with the prestigious award at the Filmmakers’ Lounge just as the Toronto International Film Festival got underway.

“This is a great honour,” Iron said while accepting the prize, noting he was a member of the Canadian producers’ association for 20 years.

He also applauded TIFF for supporting films he produced over the years, including Ruba Nadda’s Inescapable, which will receive a gala launch at Roy Thomson Hall.

“Every film I’ve gotten into a festival has premiered at TIFF,” Iron said.

Earlier, CMPA head Michael Hennessy underlined the significance of a prize for Canadian producers, distinct from those routinely given to directors and actors.

“Whey they are behind the scenes, they (producers) put forth the money to make things happen,” he told the Filmmaker’s Lounge audience.

Photo: Daniel Iron accepts the award at the Filmmakers’ Lounge / by Danielle Ng-See-Quan