Filipino filmmaker nominated for top producer award at Toronto Int’l Film Fest

Enrique Miguel Baniqued has been nominated for the Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award. Photo from enriquemiguel_/Instagram

Filipino filmmaker Enrique Miguel Baniqued has been on a roll lately in the international filmmaking industry.

Not only will his Filipino-produced film “Village Keeper” have its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), but he is also the only Asian nominee, along with director Karen Chapman, for the Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award for the same film.

The Kevin Tierney Emerging Producer Award is one of the highlights of the Canadian Media Producers Association’s annual Indiescreen Awards. This accolade recognizes early filmmaking achievements and future potential, rewarding the winner with a $10,000 prize.

Baniqued expressed his pride and gratitude for being recognized, especially as “a new immigrant” to Canada and the film industry.

“Being recognized for this award feels incredibly validating,” Baniqued shared with Inquirer.net USA.

He further reflected on the significance of this recognition, stating, “Personally, it’s an honor to represent my community, and it reminds me of the importance of telling my own stories in the near future.”

Professionally, this nomination marks a significant milestone for Baniqued. “This nomination reinforces my commitment to quality and the standard I set for any project I decide to pursue,” he noted, underscoring his dedication to producing meaningful and impactful films.

Baniqued joins a distinguished group of nominees, including Annick Blanc and Maria Gracia Turgeon for Hunting Daze, Julie Baldassi for Darkest Miriam, Mike Johnston for Curl Power and Ngardy Conteh George for A Mother Apart.

The winners will be announced at the Indiescreen Awards ceremony on Sept. 12 as part of the Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF).

When asked about Asian representation in the global film industry, Baniqued emphasized the progress that has been made but also highlighted the need for further visibility and opportunities, particularly for Filipino filmmakers.

“The representation of Asian filmmakers in the global film industry has grown, but there’s still much progress to be made… I believe that our stories are soulful and vital to the broader narrative of cinema,” Baniqued remarked.

Through his work, Baniqued aims to challenge stereotypes and offer authentic experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.

“I want my work to help broaden the scope of global cinema, encouraging audiences to engage with stories that reflect the richness of cultures and perspectives,” he said, highlighting his commitment to making films that appeal to a global audience while staying true to his roots.