The Future of Film Showcase (FOFS) is set to honour Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs (pictured left) and Humberly González (pictured right) with the inaugural Trailblazer Award and the Rising Star Award, respectively.

Recipients of the Trailblazer Award are chosen based on artistic impact, innovation and meaningful contributions to equity and representation. Jacobs, the Kahnawake, Que.-born actor, writer, producer and director, was recently selected as a fellow in the 2025 editions of Sundance’s Native and Directors Labs.

Actor Sara Wainglass and actor-director Avan Jogia won the first Rising Star awards in 2024.

FOFS also announced the six finalists of its second annual Director Development Incubator – a six-week mentorship program that began on April 30 for emerging filmmakers. It culminates with a live pitch competition for their short film on June 21 at Toronto’s Archipelago Productions.

One filmmaker will receive a grand prize of $5,000 and $50,000 in in-kind services, intended to support their short’s development. The film will also be screened at a future FOFS festival.

The finalists are A.C. Birch, JoAnne Fishburn, Gulzar, Noor Gaith, Michael Petruzzelli and Marlee Sansom.

The jury comprises Jana Stackhouse, Archipelago’s head of production; director Vanessa Magic; and Scythia Films founder Daniel Bekerman.

Jacobs and González and will be honoured at FOFS’ closing ceremony at Toronto’s Paradise Theatre on June 22. The festival runs from June 19 to 22 at the theatre and other venues in the city.

Images courtesy of Future of Film Showcase