Author: ACTRA Manitoba

ACTRA Manitoba Awards Submissions 2026

Friday, April 10, 2026

ACTRA AWARDS GALA – CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS AND NEW AWARD CATEGORY! If you haven’t yet, mark your calendars- our next Awards Gala is on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS! Please consider the best performances by yourself or other member(s) in a short production, Feature, Movie of the Week or TV episode released or screened for the first time in 2024 or 2025. NEW AWARD CATEGORY: Award for a Breakthrough Performance by an Artist The purpose of the Award for a Breakthrough Performance by an Artist is to recognize ACTRA Manitoba members who have not previously been recognized through the receipt of an ACTRA Manitoba performance award. Criteria: The Member being nominated must not have been the recipient of an ACTRA Award, in Manitoba or in other ACTRA jurisdictions, in prior years; and The performance for which they are nominated: –Is that of a Principal Performer; and -Is in a production that qualifies for that year’s series of awards ACTRA Members and Industry officials (producers, directors, broadcasters and distributors) may submit up to three (3) PRINCIPAL performances in any category per production, free of charge. Submissions must be emailed to manitoba@actra.ca using the form found below.  The performer needs to be contracted in the production as a Principal or upgraded to Principal. An eligible performance is one within a production released in the eligible time frame by a Member of ACTRA Manitoba in good-standing at the time of submission and in good-standing at the time of production. Performances may also be submitted by Manitoba Members who were in productions produced in other jurisdictions and released in the qualifying time period. ACTRA Manitoba reserves the right to modify the nature and quantity of Awards after the…

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Kristen Sawatzky named ACTRA MB’s Woman of the Year

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

A message from the ACTRA Manitoba Women’s CommitteeKristen Sawatzky has long been a powerful force within Manitoba’s film and television community, making her an exceptional and deserving recipient of the ACTRA Manitoba Woman of the Year Award. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Kristen has dedicated more than 26 years to the industry, building a remarkable career that spans multiple disciplines including dance, acting, puppetry, choreography, movement coordination, stunt performance, stunt coordination, and photography. Her versatility and longevity reflect not only immense talent but also a deep commitment to her craft and to the Manitoba film industry.Kristen’s influence goes far beyond her work on set. She has been a passionate advocate for women in the industry, especially in the male-dominated world of stunts. Through her work as a stunt coordinator, her time on the ACTRA Manitoba Women’s Committee, and as a speaker at SWIFT (Supporting Women in Film Trades) Conference, she has helped challenge barriers and create space for more women to step into roles that once seemed out of reach.Kristen’s generosity extends into every corner of her life. She teaches women’s self-defence through Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, volunteers with animal rescue organizations, supports community initiatives, and donates through her photography business to charities that help women in crisis. Kristen has also photographed countless headshots for actors in our local membership. In 2024, she was recognized with a Winnipeg 150 Award for her leadership in The Front Steps Project, which raised over $7,000 for Harvest Manitoba during the pandemic.Through her talent, her advocacy, and the way she continually lifts others up, Kristen embodies the spirit of the ACTRA Manitoba Woman of the Year Award. Her career is impressive, but it’s her heart, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her community that make her truly deserving of this honour.ACTRA Manitoba is honoured and proud…

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National Referendum – Amendment to Article 6

Friday, May 30, 2025

Under ACTRA’s Constitution, a group of one hundred (100) members can require ACTRA to proceed with a referendum vote to change the Constitution. Your National Council and Manitoba National Councillor have expressed concerns about the referendum and recommends that membership not support this referendum. ACTRA RECOMMENDS MEMBERS VOTE NO What is being proposed? READ THE PETITION HERE FAQ Where has this referendum come from? Members have a right to initiate petitions to make changes to the ACTRA Constitution under article 1103. This gives members the ability to seek wide support from fellow members (under article 1103 petitioners need 100 individuals or 50% of a branch membership, whichever is smaller for a petition to proceed) to make suggestions to improve the operation of the union. Under the constitution all changes must be put to a vote of the whole membership for the membership to decide the way forward of our union.  While we know which members have signed the petition and support the intent of change, it is unclear to ACTRA who initiated the petition. They have engaged a lawyer and are refusing to meet with ACTRA staff to work out how we can meet the intent of the request while ensuring we don’t accidentally fall to some unintended consequences through the application of the current proposal. Under article 1103, ACTRA council/executive should have an opportunity to rectify the situation. However, by refusing to engage, the petitioners are preventing the constitutional requirements to be met and limiting the elected members’ ability to address any desired improvements by working with the members concerned.   What is the timeline for this referendum? Voting opened on May 29, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. CT and closes on June 20 at 11:00 a.m. CT. …

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MIP Showcase 2025

Friday, May 16, 2025

This year’s Member Initiated Production Showcase takes place Friday, June 20th at Prairie Theatre Exchange. Come out and see what amazing stories our members have created this year! Enjoy an evening immersed in new stories, surrounded by fellow artists. Doors are at 7:00 PM, screening is at 7:30 PM. Reserve your FREE ticket here. The Golden Boy Award will be selected in advance by an independent jury and the Robert Macklin Audience Choice Award will be selected by the audience on the night of the showcase.

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In Memory of Densfield Green

Thursday, February 06, 2025

By ACTRA member Trevor Russell Densfield Sylvester GreenJune 27, 1970 – January 15, 2025Densfield was an incredible person and one of a kind. We have lost a very special friend and he was taken from us too soon. Despite his intimidating size and deep confident voice, Densfield was as lovable as a teddy bear and the nicest person you could ever meet. He was a good listener and motivator, he was full of life and fun, and – most importantly – he had a big heart. When he spoke to you, he made you feel good about yourself and full of worth. Densfield had a huge circle of friends. Anywhere you went with him, he would know at least one person in the room. He always spoke positively about his family and friends; every one of them meant so much to him. Densfield’s passion in life was being an actor in the movie and television industry. He enjoyed his work immensely and was always looking for ways to better his craft. It was hard for him not to be on set at any given time with his peers participating on a production. He was so happy and in such a good place mentally and physically amongst his movie friends. He was definitely living the dream and he will be extremely missed. May you rest in peace, my friend, and fly with the angels! Until we meet again. Densfield Green’s Obituary…

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