Blog - Page 3 of 16 - ACTRA Manitoba

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.

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…

The independent MIP jury selected the following members’ grant proposals for support this year:Enision: Fay KelmanRequiem: Mandeep SodhiLove Substitute: Cory WojcikParkade Paranoia: Nicole LoewenSilver Linings: Alan Wong (55+ Performers Group)Silent Sonata: Sarah LubyDriving Force: Marsha KnightLiving With Maria: Derek KunThe MIP Showcase will take place in June 2025. More info TBA.

The membership of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) voted to ratify a new Independent Production Agreement (IPA) for a three-year term. ACTRA’s vote closed on January 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. CT. Please visit the ACTRA National website to learn more about the Agreement.

The 7th ACTRA Manitoba Awards were a fabulous night of celebration hosted by two of our most magnetic and talented performers in the industry, Amy Groening and Aaron Merke. Please click here for the list of 2024 ACTRA Manitoba Award Recipients. Meet our lovely 2024 Gala hosts! Amy Groening is a Canadian Screen Award-nominated actor, born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Notable roles include the NBC Universal pilot Horizon, produced by Gale Anne Hurd of The Walking Dead, a recurring role on CW’s Reign, and a lead role in CW’s comedy series Backpackers. Amy divides her time between Western and Atlantic Canada and has appeared in seven Atlantic Canadian feature films, including Bone Cage, for which she received a 2021 CSA nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Amy has appeared in over ten Hallmark films and stars in ‘Twas The Date Before Christmas (2024). ACTRA Award-winning actor and comedian Aaron Merke takes the stage as host of this year’s ACTRA Awards! Known for his uncanny ability to bring “creeps” like Zelk from Safehaven to life, as well as countless “random sad dads,” Aaron has made his mark playing characters who often meet untimely ends in film and TV. So catch him while he’s still alive and kicking, live at the ACTRA Awards, for a night of laughter, surprises, and celebration of Canadian talent. Discover more about Aaron’s unforgettable roles and projects at www.aaronmerke.com.

Congratulations to all the nominees for the 2024 ACTRA Manitoba Awards! It was a fabulous event at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The recipients of the 7th ACTRA Manitoba Awards are listed below. Please click here for photos taken by Leif Norman and Duncan McNairnay. OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN A FEATURE Alicia Johnston – Francesca Quinn, PI Adam Hurtig – Melaleuca Stephanie Sy – The Santa Summit OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN A SERIES Paul Essiembre – The Porter Darla Contois – Little Bird OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN A SHORT Adam Hurtig – Playing Life OUTSTANDING STUNT PERFORMANCE Krystle Snow – Bring It On: Cheer or Die The WAYNE NICKLAS AWARD was presented to: Kenny Boyce for his outstanding contribution to Manitoba’s Film & Television Industry The ACTRA MANITOBA AWARD was presented to: Kistikan Pictures (Acting Good, Seasons One & Two) for their dedicated commitment to Manitoba performers…

MIP Showcase 2025

In Memory of Densfield Green

MIP Grant Winners for 2024/25

Ratified IPA Agreement

The 2024 ACTRA Manitoba Awards Gala

7th ACTRA Manitoba Award recipients