from hot docs

Presented by documentary

The Don Haig Award is presented annually to a Canadian documentary filmmaker. The winner will receive a $20,000 cash prize generously sponsored by documentary.

“The Don Haig Award was founded in 2002 by a group of very dedicated colleagues and friends in the film industry in order to perpetuate Don’s legacy in assisting independent filmmakers,” says Bill Schultz, honourary chair of the Award Steering Committee and Don Haig’s life partner. “Don’s first love has always been documentary, and he dedicated his life to it.”

The Don Haig Award is presented annually as part of the Hot Docs Awards Presentation. In 2010, the Don Haig Award was presented to 65_REDROSES co-directors Philip Lyall and Nimisha Mukerji. In 2009, the Don Haig Award was presented to Montreal filmmaker Brett Gaylor, and the Special Jury Prize was awarded to Mohawk filmmaker Tracey Deer. In 2008, the Don Haig Award was presented to Up the Yangtze filmmaker Yung Chang. In 2007, the recipient was Toronto-based filmmaker Hubert Davis, director of the Academy Award-nominated short film Hardwood.

“We’ve had outstanding support for Don’s vision and stellar winners of the award since its inception,” says committee chair Joan Schafer.

Documentary filmmakers from across Canada are eligible to submit an application for consideration by the jury, which will consist of representatives from the Don Haig Award Committee, documentary, Hot Docs and a past recipient of the Don Haig Award. The group will collectively select the recipient.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 28, 2011

Application packages must include six copies of the following materials:

-Two documentary films (DVD format, broadcast or theatrical) where the filmmaker had creative control. Film school projects are not eligible.
-A current CV, including any documentary broadcast credits or film festival credits.
-A short 1 paragraph biography of the filmmaker.
-A one-page letter stating why the filmmaker feels they should be considered for the Award.
-Three written references from professionals in the film and television community.
– Please mail or courier your COMPLETE package to arrive NO LATER than Friday January 28, 2011 at 5pm to:

The Don Haig Foundation & Hot Docs

Attention: Henry Stevenson, Development Associate

110 Spadina Ave. Suite 333

Toronto, ON M5V 2K4

Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be eligible. Applications not submitted by mail or courier will not be accepted.