FILMMAKER AWARDS
DAVID A. STEIN MEMORIAL AWARD (1970–2004)
This award is presented in memory of gifted Toronto filmmaker David A. Stein, who passed away in 2004 at age 34. The “Tzimmie” – named after his production company, Tzimmes Entertainment – is an annual $5,000 award given to the Director of the Best Documentary making its Canadian Premiere at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival. This award supports documentary filmmakers in creating works that would have interested David, and that carry on his passion for storytelling.
2026
DAVID A. STEIN MEMORIAL AWARD (1970–2004) WINNER:
DIRECTOR: DUKI DROR
JURY STATEMENT: “A skillfully made film that charts UNRWA’s history from its well-intentioned origins as UN’s agency from providing humanitarian relief for Palestinian refugees to becoming a key player in preventing the possibility of peace between Israel and the Palestinians, perpetuating misery for successive generations. The film then unpacks, with nuance and care, how this evolved.
With articulate interviewees and judicious use of archival film, UNRAVELING UNRWA gets to the heart of the Middle East conflict. The film gives space to diverse opinions, from the euphoria that accompanies the peace process of the 1990s to the involvement of UNRWA employees in Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel and hostage taking.
We admired the film for addressing this complicated history with clarity, and for making accessible for a wide audience the paradox behind one of the most intractable issues of our time.”
THIS YEAR'S JURY
Robert Albanese
Robert Albanese is an arts leader who has served as Artistic and Executive Director of the Vancouver Jewish Film Centre and FIlm Festival since 2010. With a career spanning film exhibition and programming for major festivals, he brings deep industry experience and has earned multiple North American awards fro marketing and promotional campaigns.
Naomi Gryn
Naomi Gryn is a UK-based writer and producer whoes work focuses on storytelling rooted in history, identity, and cultural memory. She has recently served as the historical and Jewish cultural consultant on television miniseries including The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Down Cemetery Road, and The Boys from Brazil, bringing depth and authenticity to complex narratives. Naomi also develops film and television projects spanning documentary and scripted forms, including a short film, Beshert, selected for this year’s Toronto Jewish Film Festival. Her work is driven by a commitment to bringing depth and authenticity to historical narratives and exploring the emotional resonance of the past for contemporary audiences.
Pierre-Simon Gutman
Pierre-Simon Gutman is the deputy editor of the movie review magazine “L’Avant Scene Cinema”. After studying literature at La Sorbonne, Cimino, he has written for 3 Couleurs, Les Fiches du Cinéma and Eclipse(s). He teaches cinema at l’ESRA in Paris VII and Nancy 2. He has also directed several short features and was a programmer for the critic’s week of the Cannes film festival, on both the short and the feature film committee for many years. He currently sits on the administration board of the critic’s week. He also was a member of the official jury for the Camera d’Or at the 2021 edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
PREVIOUS WINNING FILMS
2025
All I Had Was Nothingness
2024
Radio Propaganda
2023
The Camera of Doctor Morris
2022
Four Winters: A Story of Jewish Partisan Resistance and Bravery in WWII
2021
Alone TOgether
2020
There are no Lions in Tel Aviv
2019
My War Hero Uncle
2018
The Museum
THE MICKI MOORE AWARD
The Micki Moore Award is a $5,000 prize presented to the Best Narrative Feature Film directed by a woman. “I think film is the highest form of art, combining so many disciplines; words, music, pictures, sets, costumes, continuity. A great director needs to be master of all, working to bring out the best in her cast and crew. With this award, I want to acknowledge that creativity, talent and tenacity. I hope this grant will help open one more door, remove one more obstacle, so that the winner of the Micki Moore Award can flourish and continue on her cinematic journey.” (Micki Moore)
2026
THE MICKI MOORE AWARD WINNER:
DIRECTOR: NETALIE BRAUN
JURY STATEMENT: “The jury is honoured to present the Micki Moore Award for Best Female Director of a Feature Film to Netalie Braun for Oxygen. This is a brave and fearless film, both in its subject matter and in its style. Through dynamic storytelling, a powerful visual language, and striking originality, Braun has crafted a work of deep emotional force and artistic cohesion. The film is filled with love, and the performances are stunning, revealing a filmmaker of exceptional sensitivity and command. What stayed with us most was its universal heart: a mother’s fierce love and her determination to do whatever she can to save her child. For its bold vision and masterful execution, we are proud to honour Netalie Braun with this award.”
Tracy Erin Smith
Tracey Erin Smith is an internationally recognized and award-winning television and theatre creator. She was recently nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Host of a Lifestyle Television Show.
She is the Host and Creator of the Award-Winning Documentary Television Series DRAG HEALS (OUTtv, AmazonPrime, AppleTV), director of the documentary She’s The Man and recipient of two Telly Awards and a LIfetime Acheivement Award from Insprire. Her work has been seen Off-Broadway and has been awarded Best of The Fringe for her solo shows The Burning Bush! and The Big House(Toronto), Broadway World Award (NYC & Montreal).
Smith is the founder and driver of SOULO Theatre, originating in Toronto, with workshops in New York City, Tel Aviv, San Francisco, Vancouver and the UK. She is currently directing a documentary about Toronto’s iconic United Bakers Dairy Restaurant. For producing inquiries, contact tracey@soulo.ca
Karen Burshtein
Karen Burshtein is the producer of the Winnipeg International Jewish Film Festival, and an award-winning culture and style journalist. She studied French Literature at Bennington College in Vermont, and the history of French Cinema in Paris. A former style reporter at the Globe and Mail, and The National Post, she also contributes to publications such as the BBC.com, TIME Magazine, Atlas Obscura, vogue.com, Architectural Digest, and Time Out Tel Aviv, among others.
LEXI LEBAN
Lexi Leban is the Executive Director of the Jewish Film Institute, presenter of the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, and a leading funder of independent Jewish-content media and film. With more than 20 years of experience in film, media, and nonprofit leadership, she is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose work centers on women’s rights, criminal justice, and LGBTQ+ issues. Her most recent film, GIRL TROUBLE, funded by ITVS, aired nationally on PBS’s acclaimed Independent Lens. Leban also serves on the board of the Ninth Street Independent Film Center in San Francisco.
PREVIOUS WINNING FILMS
NEXTGEN AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM
The NextGen Award is a prize given to the best short film at the festival. The winning film is selected by a jury of film students at York University.
SPONSORED BY THE LEONARD WOLINSKY FOUNDATION
2026
NEXTGEN AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM WINNER:
DIRECTOR: YAEL BONNE
We chose It Might Even Be Real for its outstanding fabrication of personal and cinematic query for peace manifested through unique style, extraordinary craft and remarkable honesty.
Honourable Mention to The Things We Do for Love and a Foreign Passport
the jury recognized its sharp wit, compelling performances, carefully crafted production design, and resonant universal themes, all of which come together to create a work that feels both memorable and strikingly original.
Ann Lacovleva
Michèle Kaye
NOAM KAPLAN
Kiarash Dadgar
PREVIOUS WINNING FILMS
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