DOC Institute is pleased to announce the 2024 Breakthrough Award Winners: Ian Bawa for Brown Envelope and Cristian Gomes for Queen of Canada. Each of these projects will receive a cash development award of $20,000 sponsored by Rogers Group of Funds and a development license with CBC. The Breakthrough Award pitches were juried by Sandra Kleinfeld (CBC), Robin Mirsky (Roger Group of Funds), and Julian Carrington (Racial Equity Media Collective).  

Julian Carrington remarks on behalf of the jury, “We were so impressed by the very high calibre of the projects that were presented, as well as the passion, creativity, and sensitivity of the participating filmmakers. This year’s cohort included a number of highly personal stories, and the jury were struck by the courage and vulnerability on display in the pitches and in the projects themselves. This year’s projects also engaged with a breadth of worthy issues, and we’re hopeful that all of these deserving projects will go on to make an impact.” 

DOC Institute sends hearty congratulations to all the participants of the 2024 Breakthrough 2.0 program; the 2024 cohort all pitched exceptional projects.  

Breakthrough 2.0 is made possible through the support of sponsors Ontario Creates, Roger Group of Funds, and CBC, as well as 2024 partners Black Screen Office, Canadian Independent Screen Fund, and On Screen Manitoba. The Breakthrough Awards are supported by Roger Group of Funds and CBC.