On Saturday, October 24th, veteran film industry professional Tanya Mazur was awarded Canada’s Supporting Women in Film Trades (SWIFT) Award. The award was presented at the fifth annual SWIFT Conference, hosted at the University of Winnipeg’s Riddell Hall, by SWIFT Keynote Speaker Pam Grier, FTM chairperson Ellen Rutter, FTM’s Director of SWIFT Allison Bile, and SWIFT Conference emcee Joanne Roberts.
This annual award recognizes outstanding service in championing and supporting women and underrepresented workers as they build and advance their careers in Manitoba’s dynamic film industry.
Past recipients have included film producer Ellen Rutter, costume designer Heather Neale, cinematographer Shawna Townley, and location manager and former President of the Directors Guild of Canada – Manitoba District Council, Cathie Edger.
Mazur was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and has dedicated decades of service to Manitoba’s film industry on film sets as a continuity and script supervisor on well over 90 film and television projects. In addition, Mazur has distinguished service as an elected board and committee member with both IATSE 856 and Film Training Manitoba’s Board of Directors, including four years as Chair of SWIFT.
“Tanya Mazur has built an outstanding national reputation as a script and continuity supervisor, earning recognition for her professionalism, expertise, and commitment to her craft. Beyond her own accomplishments, she has consistently given her time and knowledge to mentor, coach, and help fellow film industry professionals develop their skills and advance their careers.” Said FTM Chairperson Ellen Rutter. She added, “Her generosity, leadership, and commitment to supporting others exemplify the very spirit of this award.”
Mazur was unanimously selected by FTM’s staff and Board Executive as this year’s recipient.
The SWIFT conference provides customized learning and networking designed to champion the growth and development of our dynamic women-identifying and gender-diverse workers in the film industry. All speakers and panel sessions support improving the workplace culture to retain and attract more women-identifying workers within the film and media industry.
Canada’s SWIFT was created by a committee of 15 women film professionals and founded in 2021.
About Film Training Manitoba (FTM)
Film Training Manitoba is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to supporting skills development, mentorship, and professional training for Manitoba’s film and television industry. Through workshops, masterclasses, and strategic industry partnerships, FTM helps build a skilled, adaptable, and inclusive screen-based workforce. FTM is a member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council Program, funded through Manitoba Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation. The organization collaborates closely with industry stakeholders to identify training needs and deliver workforce development initiatives that support Manitoba-based production companies and the broader screen sector.
Media Contact:
Jenna Paterson-Coutts
Communications Coordinator
Film Training Manitoba
P: 204 989-9669 Ext. 1
jenna@filmtraining.mb.ca