Feature film Murmur and TV series Pure were among the winners unveiled by Screen Nova Scotia during its sixth annual awards gala.

Held virtually on Friday (Dec. 4), writer/director/producer Heather Young and producer Martha Cooley’s indie drama starring Shan MacDonald secured Best Feature Film and saw Young net the Best Nova Scotia Director Award from Women in Film & Television – Atlantic.

Young’s first feature film, the project from her Houseplant Films banner debuted last year and secured a number of prizes, such as the Toronto International Film Festival’s FIPRESCI prize, the Vancouver International Film Festival’s Emerging Canadian Director Award and the Slamdance Film Festival’s Narrative Feature Grand Jury Prize, to name a few.

Meanwhile, on the TV side, season two of Pure earned Best Television Series, while Canadian actor/writer/director/producer Cory Bowles won Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Male Role for his role in the Nova Scotia-shot drama.

As well, Conviction from Sea to Sea Productions scored Best Documentary Film, while Care Bears: Unlock the Magic from Copernicus Studios picked up Best Animated Series.

Of note, legal drama Diggstown was also recognized. Vinessa Antoine and Gay Hauser won Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Lead of Featured Female Role and Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Female Role, respectively.

Rounding out acting achievements, Allister MacDonald secured Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Lead of Featured Male Role for Stage Mother.

Additionally, writer/director Bretten Hannam’s Wildfire (Rebel Road Films) – which was recently adapted into Nova Scotia-shot feature film Wildhood – won Best Short Film.

Others recognized include: locations manager Shaun Clarke, who was honoured posthumously with the prestigious Industry Champion Award; Elizabeth Hagen, Joanne and Robert Hagen with the Film Crew Excellence Award; and Brian Shaw with the Community Recognition Award.

Pictured: Murmur