The Screen Production Yukon Association (SPYA) is proud to announce the winners of the Second Annual Yukon Screen Media Industry Awards, recognizing excellence and innovation in the Yukon’s vibrant screen production community.
The awards ceremony took place on November 16, 2024, at the SPYA Studio, celebrating the significant achievements of individuals and organizations that have played pivotal roles in shaping the Yukon’s film and media landscape.
This year, the prestigious Big Picture Award was presented to the Yukon Film Society (YFS) for their long-standing contribution to building the screen production industry in the territory. The award honors YFS’s efforts in the production and exhibition of film in the Yukon, including their equipment rentals, training programs, and the re-opening and operation of the iconic Yukon Theatre. The society is also recognized for organizing the Available Light Film Festival, which has become the largest film festival in Canada’s North, fostering important connections between local filmmakers and the wider industry.
The Viewfinder Award was presented to Kelly Milner, owner of Shot in the Dark Productions, for her innovation in the Yukon’s screen production industry. Milner is being recognized for the creation of Northern Tails, a unique puppeteering production that has brought new talent and infrastructure to the territory. Her contributions are also celebrated for helping to develop a growing creative community in the Yukon.
Nominations for the awards were accepted in October and judged by an esteemed jury of industry professionals: Teresa Earle, Jon Gelinas, Colin Wolf, Iris Merritt, and Michael Khan.
The Yukon Screen Media Industry Awards are a testament to the dedication, creativity, and innovation of the individuals and organizations that continue to drive the growth of the screen production sector in the Yukon. These awards celebrate the people who have helped to make the Yukon a key player in Canada’s entertainment landscape.
The Yukon Screen Media Industry Conference and Awards were made possible thanks to funders Lotteries Yukon, CanNor and Yukon Media Development, Economic Development, Yukon Government.
