Industry Initiatives at the 32nd Toronto Int ernational Film Festival and the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA) announced that Niv Fichman is the recipient of the second annual CFTPA Producer's Award along with a $10,000 CAD cash prize . For more information on Industry Initiatives' dynamic programming at this year's Festival, running September 6 - 15, 2007, please visit tiff07.ca/industry.

Niv Fichman has more than 25 years experience and some 200 documentaries, television series and feature films to his name. Currently working with Fernando Meirelles on an adaptation by Don McKellar of BLINDNESS, the best-selling novel by José Saramago, and with Paul Gross on his World War I epic PASSCHENDAELE, Niv has previously produced directors such as Francois Girard, Olivier Assayas, Guy Maddin, Don McKellar, Peter Mettler, David Wellington, Peter Wellington, Kevin McMahon, Marc Evans, as well as his partners at Rhombus, Larry Weinstein and Barbara Willis Sweete. Feature films include THE RED VIOLIN, THIRTY TWO SHORT FILMS ABOUT GLENN GOULD, LAST NIGHT, THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD, CLEAN, SNOWCAKE and SILK. Selected television projects include SLINGS & ARROWS, YO-YO MA INSPIRED BY BACH, SEPTEMBER SONGS and LE DORTOIR. Awards include an Oscar for THE RED VIOLIN, seven Emmys and numerous Genies, Geminis, Golden Pragues as well as a Golden Rose of Montreux and a Prix Italia.

"The CFTPA is pleased to once again support the celebration of excellence with the CFTPA Producer's Award. We all have so much appreciation for the challenges of making any feature film and I am very proud to congratulate all of these distinguished nominees on the creation of major bodies of work." said Guy Mayson, President & CEO, CFTPA.

"On behalf of the Members and Board of the CFTPA, I would like to congratulate Niv on receiving the CFTPA Producer's Award." said Sandra Cunningham, Chair, Board of Directors, CFTPA. "Niv has produced some of this country's most inspiring and acclaimed feature films, he has been uncompromising in his support of the artistic vision of the films he produces which might help explain the loyalty he has earned from more than one of Canada's most talented director's."

"It was a tough decision with many outstanding talents to consider, but the jury felt that the choices of projects Niv has produced have consistently shown artistic merit; challenging and original films that connect with domestic and worldwide audiences," said Stephen Hegyes, Chair of the National Jury.

"Highlighting and helping talented individuals develop during the life of their projects have been the main goals of the Award," said Kelley Alexander, Director of Industry Initiatives. "We certainly look forward to yet another successful partnership with the CFTPA in order to further nurture our outstanding industry."

The Award recipient was decided by a prestigious independent jury of five industry leaders. Jury members are 2006 winner Luc Déry (Production Microscope), David Hamilton (Hamilton-Metha Productions), Peter Sussman (Aver Media), producer/director Lynne Stopkewich and jury chair Steve Hegyes (Brightlight Pictures Inc.).