Canadian writer-director Sarah Polley’s Oscar-nominated U.S. feature Women Talking created much talk over the weekend with several award wins.

Produced by Plan B Entertainment, Hear/Say Productions and Orion Pictures, the drama (pictured) — which Polley wrote and directed based on the novel by Canadian author Miriam Toews — won an honour for adapted screenplay at the 2023 Writers Guild Awards on Sunday.

On Saturday, it won a film honour at the USC Libraries Scripter Awards (for Polley and Toews) as well as the Film Independent Spirit Awards’ Robert Altman Award, which goes to one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.

Talent to Watch makes some changes

Telefilm Canada has announced some changes to the guidelines for its 2023-2024 Talent to Watch Program. Among them is a removal of a requirement to have an incorporated company to apply for funding under the program.

However, if a project is selected, the team will have to incorporate in order to sign the Telefilm financing agreement, according to the new program guidelines issued last week.

There’s also been a change under the Industry Partners Stream, which is for emerging filmmakers and projects that are recommended by a Designated Industry Partner. Under the new guidelines, teams wishing to apply under that stream must now submit their applications directly to Telefilm along with the partner’s letter of recommendation.

Applications for the program will be open from April 17 to May 1.

CineFam launches Limitless program

Frances-Anne Solomon’s Canadian not-for-profit CineFam has launched a new training program for emerging and mid-level career women and female-identifying Black filmmakers.

The Limitless program is funded by FedDev Ontario and aims to have 10 participants for its first cohort of 2023, a spokesperson tells Playback Daily.

Participants will undergo workshops and mentorship sessions with industry professionals to prepare a full project package. They’ll learn how to package and prepare a proof of concept for film and TV projects, and have a chance to meet seasoned producers to pitch and to compete at CineFam’s annual Big Pitch event during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Sinking Ship sets Jane exhibition

A kids museum exhibition based on Toronto-based Sinking Ship Entertainment’s Jane series for Apple TV+ is set to launch in the U.S.

Jane’s Endangered Animal Experience will kick off in April at L.A.’s California Science Center and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh.

Featuring the high-tech vehicle driven by the live-action show’s namesake main character, the exhibit is produced in partnership with U.S.-based Flying Fish Exhibits and will also highlight environmental factors threatening the North American honeybee. Apple TV+ is premiering Jane on April 14.

With files from Kidscreen

Photo by Michael Gibson; © 2022 Orion Releasing LLC. All Rights Reserved