As B.C. continues to promote its film production sector, the Vancouver International Film Festival is introducing two new awards and adding a local filmmaker program to its roster.

The two new awards, aiming to showcase local talent, are the B.C. Emerging Filmmaker Award, a $7,500 cash prize sponsored by the Union of British Columbia Performers and the ACTRA Fraternal Benefit Society, and the Best B.C. Film award, comprising a $10,000 development bursary from Astral’s Harold Greenberg Fund.

The festival will also introduce the inaugural B.C. Spotlight film program, which will include an adjudicated competition and an industry party.

“We have been extremely encouraged to see such strong support for B.C. filmmakers by both provincial and national industry partners. The support of UBCP/ACTRA and AFBS and The Fund in making these awards possible demonstrates their strong commitment to nurturing B.C. storytellers,” said VIFF executive director Jacqueline Dupuis in a statement.

VIFF takes place Sept. 26 to Oct. 11, 2013.