Tyler Hagan, a prominent figure from Experimental Forest Films, has been recognized with the esteemed 2026 Feature Film Producer Indiescreen Award by the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA). This significant accolade was presented at a ceremony during the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, underscoring Hagan's substantial contributions to Canadian cinema. The award, accompanied by a C$20,000 cash prize, highlights a producer's career-long achievements in filmmaking and is supported by Telefilm Canada. His commitment to nurturing new talent and promoting diverse voices within the industry has earned him this distinguished honor, celebrating his pivotal role in elevating Canadian stories on a global stage.
Hagan's recognition stems from his unwavering dedication to mentorship, fostering sustainable production practices, and building a vibrant community within the film sector. The jury specifically praised his passionate advocacy for emerging and underrepresented filmmakers, acknowledging his efforts to bring their projects to fruition and secure their presence at leading international festivals and markets. His most recent works, 'In Alaska' and 'Seventeen,' both made their debut at the current Toronto Film Festival, further solidifying his reputation. This is not Hagan's first time being recognized for his promising talent, having previously received the Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Indiescreen Award in 2022 for his film 'Until The Branches Bend.'
In addition to Hagan's triumph, Anthony Cauchy of Locomotive Media was honored with the 2026 Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Indiescreen Award. This award, which comes with a C$10,000 prize, celebrates the impressive potential of up-and-coming producers. Cauchy was commended for his ambitious vision in bringing French-language narratives to Western Canada with exceptional craftsmanship and production quality. His work on 'Surf Bay, Côte Ouest,' the first francophone series filmed in British Columbia, exemplifies his strong storytelling instincts and his drive to create Canadian content that transcends linguistic and regional barriers.
Furthermore, KOTV, under the leadership of president Louis Morissette, was presented with the CMPA's 2026 TV Producer Indiescreen Award. Established in 2011, the Quebec-based company was celebrated for the breadth and versatility of its productions, which encompass both English and French-language projects across various genres and formats. A notable achievement cited was 'Plan B,' an innovative psychological drama starring Patrick J. Adams, which has successfully run for multiple seasons and been adapted for English-speaking audiences, showcasing the company's creative ambition. Morissette accepted the award and its accompanying C$20,000 prize, which was sponsored by the Canada Media Fund.
CMPA President and CEO Reynolds Mastin emphasized the importance of cultural sovereignty in his statement, remarking that this year's Indiescreen Award winners are perfectly poised to seize this critical moment. He lauded each recipient as a testament to the exciting dynamism of Canadian independent production, highlighting their ambition, versatility, and their readiness to push Canadian narratives to unprecedented heights. Mastin expressed gratitude to the winners for underscoring the vital principles for which the nation is currently striving. The selection of the award winners was overseen by three national juries, each chaired by the previous year's recipients. The CMPA stands as Canada's foremost member-based advocacy organization, dedicated to supporting independent producers across the country.
