‘Village Keeper’ wins at 2025 Canadian Screen Awards 

“Village Keeper,” a film directed by Karen Chapman and produced by Filipino-Canadian Enrique Miguel Baniqued, won at the 2025 Canadian Screen Award. . 

Chapman won the John Dunning Best First Feature Film Award at the ceremony. Chapman, Baniqued and the stars of the film attended the event.  

Baniqued told Manila Bulletin that the award of “Village Keeper” is not just a triumph for their team but for every immigrant storyteller. 

"It made me feel deeply blessed. As a newcomer to Canada who immigrated just five years ago, winning Best First Feature Film at the Canadian Screen Awards, the Canadian film industry's top distinction, feels like a dream I never imagined would come true so soon,” he said. 

He added, “Village Keeper was made with so much heart, and to have it recognized on this level—especially as my first film—means the world. It’s a win not just for our team, but for every immigrant storyteller/newcomer carving out space in a new home & to pair it along with a nomination for Best Motion Picture, the pinnacle award as a film producer. As cliche as it sounds it made me feel like I was in a movie.  The whole run for the film has been a blessing and it has already open more doors for future project both locally and internationally. So I'm very excited for what's next!”

“‘Village Keeper’ follows a family grappling with secrets that uphold domestic abuse and unresolved rage. After life’s precarious scale tips her fortune back into poverty, Jean relocates her children with their grandmother to the community housing project where she grew up. Jean lives in constant fear of everything that could go wrong, going to great lengths to shelter her children, so when a spree of violence comes to her doorstep, she secretly cleans an abandoned crime scene, which unknowingly leads her on a path that exposes generational chains of silence, self-discovery, and finally putting herself first,” according to the Canadian Screen Awards website. 

At the CSA, the film was also nominated for best motion picture, best lead performance in a drama film, best supporting performance in a drama film, and best original screenplay. 

Meanwhile, Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto, who starred in “Nine Perfect Strangers” season 1 and “The Acolyte,” received the Radius Award at the ceremony. 

“Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent” won best drama series and “Children Ruin Everything” took home best comedy series.

Supinder Wraich of “Allegiance” won best lead performer in a drama series and Andrew Phung of “Run the Burbs” bagged best lead performer in comedy. 

“The Apprentice” took home best motion picture while Sebastian Stan won performance in a leading role in a drama. 

Cate Blanchett of “Rumours” won the performance in a leading role in a comedy. 

The Canadian Screen Awards presented 149 awards in film, television, and digital media. 

“Canada’s Drag Race” won eight awards, including best reality/competition program or series. “Wynonna Earp: Vengeance” bagged seven awards, including best TV movie. 

“The 2025 Canadian Screen Awards have been an extraordinary showcase of everything that makes our screen-based industries exceptional, honoring the creators, performers, and visionaries shaping Canadian storytelling,” said Tammy Frick, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. 

Karen Chapman (Photo courtesy of George Pimentel Photography)

Filipino-Canadian Enrique Miguel Baniqued (Photo courtesy of George Pimentel Photography)

Enrique Miguel Baniqued, Karen Chapman and the stars of "Village Keeper" (Photo courtesy of George Pimentel Photography)

Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto (Photo courtesy of George Pimentel Photography)

THE 2025 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS WINNERS

Best Lead Performer, Comedy

Run the Burbs

Andrew Phung

Best Reality/Competition Program or Series

Canada's Drag Race

Cogeco Fund Audience Choice Award

The Way Home

Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS

Manny Jacinto

Best Comedy Series

Sponsor | Lionsgate Canada

Children Ruin Everything

Best Feature Length Documentary | Meilleur long métrage documentaire 

Yintah - Jennifer Wickham, Brenda Michell, Michael Toledano, Bob Moore, Sam Vinal, Doris Rosso, Daniel Cross, Mila Aung-Thwin

Achievement in Direction | Meilleure réalisation

Matthew Rankin - Universal Language | Une langue universelle

Changemaker Award, presented by Insight Productions

Marsha Greene

Canada Media Fund Kids' Choice Award 

Warrior Up!

Performance in a Leading Role, Drama | Meilleure interprétation dans un premier rôle, drame

Sebastian Stan - The Apprentice

Best Motion Picture | Meilleur film

The Apprentice - Daniel Bekerman

Performance in a Leading Role, Comedy | Meilleure interprétation dans un premier rôle, comédie

Cate Blanchett - Rumours

Best Lead Performer, Drama Series

Sponsor | The Canada Media Fund

Allegiance

Best Drama Series

Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent

THE DOCUMENTARY, FACTUAL, LIFESTYLE, AND REALITY AWARDS, PRESENTED BY CRAVE

Best Biography or Arts Documentary Program or Series

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal

Best Sound, Documentary or Factual

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal - Part Two: On the Verge

Best Photography, Documentary or Factual

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal - Part Two: On the Verge

Best Picture Editing, Documentary

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal - Part Two: On the Verge

Best History Documentary Program or Series

Paid in Full: The Battle for Black Music

Best Writing, Factual

We're All Gonna Die (Even Jay Baruchel) - Jay-I

Best Picture Editing, Factual

Dark Side of the Ring - The Ballad of 'Earthquake' John Tenta

Best Direction, Factual

For the Culture with Amanda Parris - Diaspora Wars

Best Factual Series

Who Owns the World

Best Web Program or Series, Non-Fiction

Here & Queert

Best Host, Web Program or Series

About That with Andrew Chang

Barbara Sears Award for Best Visual Research

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal - Part Two: On the Verge

Amazon Prime Video Canada

Barbara Sears Award for Best Editorial Research

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal - Part Three: It's a Good Life if You Don't Weaken

Best Sound, Lifestyle, Reality, or Entertainment

Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs. The World - Snatch Game: The Rusical

Best Writing, Lifestyle or Reality/Competition

Canada's Drag Race - From Drags to Riches: The Rusical

Best Picture Editing, Reality/Competition

Big Brother Canada - Episode 18

Best Original Music, Factual, Lifestyle, Reality, or Entertainment

Paris 2024 Summer Olympics - Day 15 - Bell Paris Prime / Toyota Primetime

Academy Board of Directors' Tribute Award | Prix Hommage du conseil d'administration de l'Académie

John Brunton

Best Direction, Documentary Program

Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics

Best Direction, Documentary Series

The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal - Part Four: Grace, Too

Best Writing, Documentary

The Knowing - Stealing Children

Rob Stewart Award for Best Science or Nature Documentary Program or Series

An Optimist's Guide to the Planet with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Best Original Music, Documentary

Swan Song - Queen Behaviour

Donald Brittain Award for Best Social/Political Documentary Program

The Fifth Estate: Contract to Kill

Best Documentary Program

It's Not Funny Anymore: Vice to Proud Boys

Best Achievement in Casting, Non-Fiction

Canada's Drag Racet

Best Children's or Youth Non-Fiction Program or Series

Indigenous Art Adventures

Best Direction, Reality/Competition

Canada's Drag Race - Premiere Ball

Best Production Design or Art Direction, Non-Fiction

Canada's Drag Race - Premiere Ball

Best Host or Presenter, Factual or Reality/Competition

Canada's Drag Race

Best Photography, Lifestyle or Reality/Competition

The Amazing Race Canada - Caution Double Pass Ahead

Best Direction, Lifestyle or Information

The Social - Earth Day Special

Best Lifestyle Program or Series

Mary Makes It Easy

Best Host, Lifestyle

Mary Makes It Easy

THE SCRIPTED TELEVISION AWARDS

Best Guest Performance, Comedy

Son of a Critch - Forever Young

Best Picture Editing, Comedy

Late Bloomer - The Turban

Best Writing, Comedy

Late Bloomer - Nudes

Best Picture Editing, Drama

Bones of Crows - To Be Separated

Best Writing, Drama Series 

Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent - The Key to the Castle

Best Original Music, Drama

Wynonna Earp: Vengeance

Best Original Music, Comedy

Children Ruin Everything - Talking

Best Original Music – Original Song

Allegiance - The Legacy - “Auntie's Honour Song”

Best Original Music, Animation

PAW Patrol - Rescue Wheels: Pups Save Adventure Bay!

Best Writing, Animation

Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin

Best Writing, Pre-School

Dino Ranch - Sonny's T-Rex Turmoil

Best Sound, Animation

PAW Patrol - Rescue Wheels: Pups Save Adventure Bay!

Best Writing, Children's or Youth

Beyond Black Beauty - Everybody Hurts

Best Sound, Fiction

Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent - The Sound of Silence

Best Animated Program or Series

Sponsor | Spin Master Entertainment

Wild Kratts

Best Pre-School Program or Series

PAW Patrol

Best Children's or Youth Fiction Program or Series

Beyond Black Beauty

Best Voice Performance

Doomlands

Best Supporting Performer, Children's or Youth

Ruby and the Well

Best Lead Performer, Children's or Youth

Davey & Jonesie's Locker

Best Web Program or Series, Fiction

Stories from my Gay Grandparents

Best Supporting Performance, Web Program or Series

Stories from my Gay Grandparents

Best Lead Performance, Web Program or Series

My Dead Mom

Best Photography, Drama

Beyond Black Beauty - If You Love Me

Best Photography, Comedy

Late Bloomer - Nudes

Best Direction, Comedy

Letterkenny - Over and Out

Best Supporting Performer, Comedy

Children Ruin Everything

Best Direction, Drama Series

Bones of Crows - To Be Heret

Best Writing, Web Program or Series

My Dead Mom - Shana Tova

Best Picture Editing, Web Program or Series

My Dead Mom - Shana Tova

Best Direction, Web Program or Series

Near or Far - Return to the Mean

Best Picture Editing, Children’s or Youth

Geek Girl - Chapter 6

Best Direction, Children's or Youth

Beyond Black Beauty - The Promise of a New Day

Best Direction, Animation

Camp Snoopy - Sally's Tooth

Best Achievement in Hair

Canada's Drag Race - A Star Is Born

Best Achievement in Make-Up

Canada's Drag Race - From Drags to Riches: The Rusical

Best Costume Design

Murdoch Mysteries - Why Is Everybody Singing?

Best Achievement in Casting, Fiction

Late Bloomer

Best Production Design or Art Direction, Fiction

Wynonna Earp: Vengeance

Best Visual Effects

Wynonna Earp: Vengeance

Best Direction, TV Movie

Abducted Off the Street: The Carlesha Gaither Story

Best Writing, TV Movie

Wynonna Earp: Vengeance

Best TV Movie

Wynonna Earp: Vengeance

Best Lead Performer, TV Movie

Wynonna Earp: Vengeance

Best Guest Performance, Drama Series

Sullivan's Crossing - It's a Wonderful Life

Best Supporting Performer, Drama

Allegiance

Best Ensemble Performance, Comedy

Children Ruin Everything

THE CINEMATIC ARTS AWARDS, PRESENTED BY TELEFILM CANADA, SUPPORTED BY CINEPLEX

Performance in a Supporting Role, Comedy | Meilleure interprétation dans un rôle de soutien, comédie

Graham Greene - Seeds

Achievement in Hair | Meilleures coiffures

Michelle Cote, Charlotte DeLaet, Sandra Kelly - The Apprentice

Achievement in Make-Up | Meilleurs maquillages

Sponsor | Commanditaire | MAC Cosmetics

Colin Penman, Brandi Boulet, Sean Sansom - The Apprentice

Achievement in Music – Original Song | Meilleure chanson originale

Torquil Campbell - We Forgot to Break Up - “Revolutionary Heart”

Achievement in Music – Original Score | Meilleure musique originale

Mychael Danna - Seven Veils

Achievement in Casting | Meilleure distribution des rôles

Marilou Richer, Ila Firouzabadi - Universal Language | Une langue universelle

Achievement in Costume Design | Meilleurs costumes

Negar Nemati - Universal Language | Une langue universelle

Academy Board of Directors' Tribute Award | Prix Hommage du conseil d'administration de l'Académie

Denise Robert

Best Animated Short | Meilleur court métrage d'animation

Maybe Elephants - Torill Kove, Lise Fearnley, Maral Mohammadian, Tonje Skar Reiersen

Best Short Documentary | Meilleur court métrage documentaire

Sponsor | Commanditaire | Hot Docs

Hello Stranger - Amélie Hardy, Sarah Mannering, Fanny Drew

Best Live Action Short Drama | Meilleur court métrage de fiction

Sponsor | Commanditaire | Kingston Canadian Film Festival

On a Sunday at Eleven - Alicia K. Harris, Jeff Chiu

Performance in a Live Action Short Drama | Meilleure interprétation dans un court métrage de fiction

Bryn McAuley - Bibi's Dog is Dead

Best Stunt Coordination | ​Meilleure coordination des cascades

Steven McMichael, Leslie McMichael - Wynonna Earp: Vengeance

Best Immersive Experience

Oto's Planet

(Dpt., Skill Lab, Small Creative Studio)

Gwenael François, Julien Becker, Nicolas S. Roy, Voyelle Acker

Achievement in Visual Effects | Meilleurs effets visuels

Sponsor | Commanditaire | SPINVFX

Brian Huynh, Sophia Jooyeon Lee, Steven Huynh, Justin Perreault, Michael Davison - Code 8: Part II

Achievement in Art Direction / Production Design | Meilleure direction artistique / conception des décors

Louisa Schabas - Universal Language | Une langue universelle

Best Cinematography in a Feature Length Documentary | Meilleure direction photographique dans un long métrage documentaire

Michael Toledano - Yintah

Best Editing in a Feature Length Documentary | Meilleur montage dans un long métrage documentaire

David Schmidt - Wilfred Buck

Best Sound Design in a Feature Length Documentary | Meilleure conception sonore dans un long métrage documentaire

Marie-Pierre Grenier, Camille Demers-Lambert, Nataq Huault, Olivier Germain, Alexis Farand - Okurimono

Best Original Music in a Feature Length Documentary | Meilleure musique originale dans un long métrage documentaire

Murray Lightburn - Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story

Achievement in Sound Editing | Meilleur montage sonore

Robert Bertola, Jill Purdy, David Rose, Paul Germann, Steve Baine, Fraser Gee - The Shrouds

Achievement in Sound Mixing | Meilleur mixage sonore

Christian Cooke, Mark Zsifkovits, Trevor Goulet, Peter Persaud, Daniel Moctezuma - The Shrouds

Achievement in Editing | Meilleur montage

Xi Feng - Universal Language | Une langue universelle

Achievement in Cinematography | Meilleure direction photographique

Gayle Ye - Paying for It

Academy Board of Directors' Tribute Award | Prix Hommage du conseil d'administration de l'Académie

Ellis Jacob

John Dunning Best First Feature Film Award | Prix John Dunning pour le meilleur premier long métrage

Village Keeper - Karen Chapman

Original Screenplay | Meilleur scénario original

Sponsor | Commanditaire | Téléfilm Canada

Matthew Rankin, Pirouz Nemati, Ila Firouzabadi - Universal Language | Une langue universelle

Adapted Screenplay | Meilleure adaptation

Sook-Yin Lee, Joanne Sarazen - Paying for It

Performance in a Supporting Role, Drama | Meilleure interprétation dans un rôle de soutien, drame

Jeremy Strong - The Apprentice

Golden Screen Award for Feature Film | Prix Écran d’or pour un long métrage

Sisters and Neighbors | Nos belles-sœurs - Denise Robert