The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) celebrated the best in Canadian independent production on Thursday evening, kicking off the Toronto International Film Festival with the presentation of the 2026 Indiescreen Awards.
This year’s top honours were awarded to Quebec production company KOTV, producer Tyler Hagan of Experimental Forest Films, and Vancouver-based producer Anthony Cauchy of Locomotive Media.
“At a time when cultural sovereignty has never mattered more, this year’s Indiescreen Award winners are seizing the moment,” said Reynolds Mastin, CMPA President and CEO. “Each winner represents what makes Canadian independent production so exciting right now, from ambition and versatility to a willingness to push Canadian stories further than ever before. Thank you for reminding us of what we’re fighting for at this critical moment in our nation’s history.”
2026 Indiescreen Award Winners
-
TV Producer Indiescreen Award ($20,000 prize): KOTV
Presented in partnership with the Canada Media Fund (CMF), the award was accepted by KOTV President Louis Morissette. Founded in 2011, the Quebec-based company was celebrated for its versatile body of work across genres and languages—notably television drama series Plan B.
-
Feature Film Producer Indiescreen Award ($20,000 prize): Tyler Hagan
Presented in partnership with Telefilm Canada, Hagan (Experimental Forest Films) was recognized for his commitment to sustainable production, mentorship, and advocacy for underrepresented voices. His credits include internationally acclaimed festival titles The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open (2019), Until Branches Bend (2022), Seagrass (2023), and Seventeen and In Alaska (2026).
-
Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Indiescreen Award ($10,000 prize): Anthony Cauchy
Cauchy (Locomotive Media) was recognized for his efforts to bring French-language storytelling to Western Canada, including projects like Surf Bay, Côte Ouest that bridge linguistic and regional boundaries.
The winners were selected by three national independent juries chaired by the previous year’s award recipients.
