Spotlight and Legacy Awards Gala
Last night’s Spotlight Awards Gala was a huge success and a terrific party. Here are a few photos of the awards. More and better ones to come.
Parksdale directed Lisa Jackson wins first place Legacy Award
The evening was hosted by director/filmmaker Mina Shum, who was charming and inspirational, and who left us with the closing words: Know what your gift is, and keep on giving it.
Jill Sharpe’s acceptance speech was a moving tribute to the supportive film community in Vancouver, and the importance of family, friends, colleagues and mentors in making ones dreams a reality. Director of the film BONE, WIND, FIRE, she recounted how discovering the talent and determination against the odds of artists like Emily Carr, and the unconditional support of her family, were instrumental in helping her believe.
Jill Sharpe accepts Finale Artistic Achievement Award for Bone, Wind, Fire
Carol Whiteman is presented with the Woman of the Year Award
Carol Whiteman, who received the Woman of the Year Award, inspired all with her energy and vision and personal strength. The award was well deserved, given her amazing abilities to balance personal challenges with her own creative projects and yet give more to nurturing and mentoring young filmmakers through her work with Women in The Director’s Chair.
Penelope Buitenhuis presented with CBC Artistic Achievement award
Penelope Buitenhuis entertained with spark and humour as she accepted her Artistic Achievement Award for her body of work and her indie film A WAKE.
Doreen Manuel received Leadership in Education award at VWIFF
Doreen Manuel received the Leadership in Education Award with inspiring words about the guidance of her elders, and how they advised her and her siblings to choose their own path, and then follow it with determination, giving their best. She hopes to one day be considered an elder herself, and it looks like she’s well on her way.
And after the awards, since there could be no screenings (which had to be moved to Saturday 9 am), there was wine! And music! And plenty of mingling and fun was had by all.
