Posted on Thursday, May 13, 2010.

News release

National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) is pleased to announce NSI Features First project Heaven's Door from writer/director Geoff Redknap and producer Katie Weekley (Vancouver, BC) as the latest winner of the Jim Murphy Filmmakers Bursary.

The $2,500 bursary is presented annually to a filmmaking team going through the NSI Features First training program with an inventive and creatively-integrated marketing plan for their feature film. Jim was the NSI Features First program manager for four years.

Heaven’s Door is the story of a forgotten town on the edge of nowhere, where a broken man battles the unjust and finds redemption.

"Marketing is an important part of putting together a feature film package and the participants came up with some innovative ideas," said Brendon Sawatzky, program manager for NSI Features First. "The jury felt Katie and Geoff’s proposal of an online graphic novel was clever, relevant and feasible for their first feature."

"Katie and I were fortunate to meet Jim the first time we applied to NSI Features First. We were quite green and not ready for the program, but somehow got short-listed," said Geoff. "In the interview, Jim was very supportive of our genre project - a post-apocalyptic zombie film - and encouraged us to not be shy about submitting projects in that vein. Jim's genuine appreciation encouraged us to keep submitting projects to the NSI. We’re honoured to receive his continued support."

"During the selection process, we were often wondering what Jim would say or do – this bursary is a true reflection on what Jim was passionate about – marketing and education." said jury member Tony Wosk.

Said Dan Lyon, a close friend of Jim’s and one of the founding members of the bursary. "I was pleased to be involved with the jury again. It’s a wonderful way to honour Jim’s legacy in our industry."

Learn more about Jim Murphy’s leadership and involvement in Canadian film, and about the founding members of the bursary. You can also make a contribution to the bursary which will support future filmmakers.

About NSI Features First

NSI Features First was launched in 1997 in association with Telefilm Canada. This program - for writers, producers and directors working on their first or second feature film - aims to help filmmakers hone their script while also understanding the business aspects of feature film development. Eleven features developed through the program have been produced, won awards, debuted at prestigious festivals and played in commercial theatres. A full list of these films is available here. The next call for the NSI Features First program will be in July.

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