Liz Shorten (pictured, centre), the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) COO was awarded with a King Charles III Coronation Medal in B.C. this week (Aug. 27).

The medal was created to honour the coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023. In all, 30,000 medals will be awarded across the country with the government of B.C. granting 551.

According to the B.C. government release, the “recipients represent a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions to British Columbia or to a particular region or community in the province or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to B.C.”

At the ceremony, B.C. Premier David Eby (pictured, left) and B.C. Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin (pictured, right) handed out the award.

Ric Esther Bienstock to be honoured at 45th Annual Documentary Emmys

Canadian documentary filmmaker Ric Esther Bienstock will be granted the Silver Circle Award at the 45th annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards. The awards will take place on Sept. 26, 2024.

Awarded by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), the Silver Circle Award recognizes professionals who have performed distinguished service within the television industry for 25 years or more.

Bienstock’s documentary work includes Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, The Accountant of Auschwitz and Sex Slaves.

Natassia Morris set as business manager at the BSO’s Research and Action Centre

The Black Screen Office (BSO) has announced that Natassia Morris will be the new business manager, of BSO’s Research and Action Centre (RAC).

According to the release, Morris’ experience in marketing, communications and project management, especially within the Black, Caribbean and artistic communities, positions her to drive change in the Canadian screen industry.

Out On Screen launches program to support SOGI-inclusive education

Out On Screen, a non-profit organization in Vancouver that runs the Vancouver Queer Film Festival (VQFF), has launched The Future is Queer, a free 2SLGBTQIA+ program to combat restrictions on and backlash towards SOGI (sexual orientation and gender inclusivity) inclusive education and 2SLGBTQIA+ cultural programs.

The inaugural program will kick off at this year’s VQFF in September and will include the screening of two short films, one feature film, one workshop on gender expression, and post-screening discussions.

This year, VQFF will be held from Sept. 11 to 22.

Image courtesy of CMPA