Whistler Film Festival (WFF) and the Alliance of Women Film Journalists (AWFJ) announced the winners of this year’s AWFJ EDA Awards at the 21st edition of the Whistler Film Festival .
The Alliance of Women Film Journalists presented this year’s EDA Award for Best Female-Directed Feature to Nouveau Québec directed by Sarah Fortin. The jury stated that “Nouveau Québec is a suspenseful and thoroughly engaging slow-burning drama from first time writer-director Sarah Fortin. It is a couple-in-crisis drama wrapped in a mystery. Fortin’s film thrives in how it captures and represents intense trauma in an isolated location and the culture of the area’s Innu and Naskapi residents with the dexterity of a more experienced filmmaker. We’re eager to see more films from this skilled and sensitive young director.” Nouveau Québec premieres online today and is available across Canada until December 31.
The jury awarded the EDA Award for Best Female Directed Narrative Documentary to $AVVY, directed by Robin Hauser. Robin Hauser was congratulated on her use of strong visuals, colorful animation, and informed, engaging experts to create a film that shows learning about financial literacy can be fun and educational. The jury further noted that the film has the power to change lives, giving individuals, particularly women who are especially vulnerable to money troubles, practical steps to achieving and maintaining solvency. $AVVY is available to view to a worldwide audience until December 31.
The Alliance of Women Film Journalists presented the EDA Award for Best Female-Directed Short Film to “Fanmi” directed by Carmine Pierre-Dufour and Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosiers. The jury stated that “Fanmi” mines the unspoken bonds of mother/daughter relationships to provide an intimate portrait of two strong-willed women who will do anything in their power to protect each other and learn from past mistakes. “Fanmi” is available to stream across Canada as part of the ShortWorks 1 program until December 31.
AWFJ presents EDA Awards at year’s end and throughout the year at selected film festivals. The EDAs are named in honor of AWFJ founder Jennifer Merin’s mother, Eda Reiss Merin, a stage, film and television actress whose career spanned more than 60 years. A dedicated foot soldier in the industry, Eda was one of the founders of AFTRA and a long-standing Member of AMPAS. EDA is also an acronym for Excellent Dynamic Activism, qualities shared by Eda Reiss Merin, AWFJ members and those honoured with EDA Awards.