News & Updates

Jennifer Hawley is a filmmaker based out of St. John’s, NL. She has participated in Telefilm and NIFCO’s Picture Start program, and Telefilm’s Talent To Watch program. Her feature documentary, Hell or Clean Water premiered at Hot Docs 2021 and won an Audience Choice award.

Here is an excerpt from one of the nominations we received for Jennifer:

“Jenny has stepped into a mentorship role at NIFCO, where she developed a series of workshops for emerging filmmakers in Newfoundland and Labrador. I cannot think of a more generous person to impart her wisdom to the next generation of filmmakers. Jenny is talented, smart, and creative. But I think it is her generosity and respect for other creatives that has led to her considerable success at this point in her career. I look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next. I can only hope that I will be lucky enough to work with her again soon. We are so lucky to have her shepherding the next generation of filmmakers in this province.”

Koumbie is an award winning actor, director, writer and producer. In front of the camera she has appeared in a number of local productions with recurring roles on shows. Since going behind the camera, Koumbie has directed a number of award winning short films. Currently in development on a number of projects, Koumbie is drawn to stories that feature new voices and perspectives.

Here is an excerpt from one of the nominations we received for Koumbie:

“In board meetings, juries, and hiring committees, Koumbie constantly moves through their work with care and intention. So much of their work is based in social justice; we have spent many hours talking through the systems within our community, within the industry and within ourselves, that could be changed, grown, and altered to make a little more room and a little more safety for someone else. Koumbie is a person who stands for, beyond anything else, equity and safety for every person they meet. Their uncompromising standards make for better workplaces, and the greatest film sets. A person who has the opportunity to work with Koumbie is a lucky person indeed.”

Laura Mackenzie currently serves as Film Commissioner and Executive Director of Screen Nova Scotia, a film commission, industry promotion and advocacy association. Laura has a demonstrated history of triggering growth for both independent film and television producers and non-profit screen industry organizations across Canada.

Laura is in her fourth year serving on the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, whose mandate includes advising government on policies and making recommendations on programs to promote arts and culture.

Here is an excerpt from one of the nominations we received for Laura:

“It is not an understatement to say Laura is driven towards changing the face of the film industry in the province. In this time of equal opportunity she is steadfastly working towards allowing diverse voices and faces being seen and heard on set. Laura has a strong commitment to industry growth, with an innate desire to see growth in emerging to mid-level creators: from writers, crew, and producers. Lastly, I would be remiss not to bring to your attention to the fact that our industry would have shut down during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic were it not for Laura’s work. Laura worked tirelessly on back-to-work committees and with the Department of Health to ensure the industry did not falter.”