2026 Recognized Artists — Media
Emerging Professional Artists
Photo Credit: Yves Garez
Simon Garez, filmmaker
Nipawin
“Saskatchewan is my creative engine—a landscape of limitless cinematic potential.”
Simon Garez is a Francophone filmmaker who divides his time between Nipawin and Saskatoon. His three short films have screened worldwide at festivals, where they have been recognized with numerous awards. His films examine prairie life and humanity's interaction with its ecological environment. Alongside his art practice, he works with bees and honey production.
What fuels Simon: “Saskatchewan is my creative engine—a landscape of limitless cinematic potential.”
“Simon has worked hard towards his goals as an actor, director and media person. He has had some notable success already and his work and efforts deserve celebration and attention. It's very hard to live in Saskatchewan and make it in the arts, but Simon is talented and deserves due recognition!”
– from Aidan Wolfe’s nomination statement
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Nathan Smit, film producer, writer, director
Saskatoon
“When it comes to art, there are a million reasons why not to do something ...”
Nathan Smit is a writer, director and producer. He cemented his status as a go-to producer among emerging filmmakers in Saskatchewan’s indie film industry, developing a reputation as a reliable, efficient and level-headed presence on fast-paced film sets. Nathan's commitment to fostering the "independent auteur" spirit means he is often involved in a project from conception to release. While the art of film is important to Nathan, so is ensuring a safe and positive workspace for all involved. Respect, inclusion and clear communication on set are held to the utmost standard. His latest short film, Hunting Trip, premiered in 2026.
What fuels Nathan: “When it comes to art, there are a million reasons why not to do something. Find the one reason to do it and follow it with all your heart."
“Nathan has been working in the Saskatchewan film industry for a decade. He has become the go-to producer for many filmmakers in the province. In the last year Nathan has been producing six short films, a USA-Canada Co-production feature film and a documentary for CBC.”
– from Thorn Epp’s nomination statement
Established Artists and Arts Leaders
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Danny Knight, actor, comedian, writer, musician
Saskatoon
“... the joy I derive from performance: it's intense, challenging and gratifying.”
Danny Knight is an actor, comedian, musician, writer and director from Muskoday First Nation, residing in Saskatoon. He has been working professionally in the arts since he was 16, getting his start touring across Canada and the U.S playing music with his father, Chester Knight. He got involved in acting through GTNT's Circle of Voice program. Since then, he's appeared in short films, and he's performed as far north as the Yukon and as far south as Palm Springs. Though some may move away from Saskatchewan to chase a life in the arts, Danny loves Saskatchewan too much to leave.
What fuels Danny: “I make art to entertain, soothe and teach our community. I would be lying if I didn't mention the joy I derive from performance: it's intense, challenging and gratifying. I hope that my art practice inspires others to follow their own.”
“Danny Knight is very prominent in media among other involvements. He has had great success being apart of the 'Feather,' an Indigenous satirical newscasting. As well, as lots of experience within the comedic Stand-up and acting circles. A clear and deserving nominee for recognition.”
– from Tanner Wilson’s nomination statement
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Jefferson Moneo, director, writer, producer, Founder of Prowler Pictures
Saskatoon
“As a filmmaker, I strive to make wild art with killer people to share all over the world.”
Jefferson Moneo is a filmmaker from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Before working in film, he repaired farm machinery, ran printing presses, and played in a punk band. He is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan and Columbia University’s Film MFA program. As a filmmaker, he has directed, produced, and written over 20 individual works. His films have screened in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, TIFF, and Slamdance, and have been exhibited at the Moscow Biennale. As a producer, he recently completed Split Rock, a feature film filmed in Avonlea, Saskatchewan, in the summer of 2025.
What fuels Jefferson: “I am inspired by my home province and its fiercely independent attitude. As a filmmaker, I strive to make wild art with killer people to share all over the world.”
“Jeff's work as a filmmaker continues to shine in Saskatchewan, such as the recent feature film Split Rock. He's arguably Saskatchewan's top talent when it comes to genre cinema that embraces our province's cinematic qualities.”
– from Simon Garez’s nomination statement
Photo Credit: Evelina Kniazeva
Jeremy Ratzlaff, cinematographer, producer
Moose Jaw
“The passion demonstrated by this community is what fuels my desire to contribute to the filmmaking landscape in Saskatchewan.”
Jeremy is a cinematographer and producer based in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and is an associate member of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers. He has helmed the camera department for more than half a dozen feature films and television series for the NFB, CBC, APTN, AMI-tv and Paramount+. He has produced short video work that has won multiple awards at the Yorkton Film Festival. He is an earnest advocate for Saskatchewan's independent film community.
What fuels Jeremy: "The drive to create compelling cinematic work in a province that was largely abandoned by the traditional film industry over the last decade has given rise to an indie film community that inspires me every day. The passion demonstrated by this community is what fuels my desire to contribute to the filmmaking landscape in Saskatchewan."
“Jeremy is more than a Saskatchewan cinematographer; he's an ambassador for the province's independent film community. His professional achievements speak for themselves, such as recently joining the cinematographers’ union. He is steadily rising to a national level.”
– from Simon Garez’s nomination statement
Photo courtesy of the artist.
John Thimothy, President & CEO, Regina International Film Festival & Awards Foundation
Regina
“What fuels me is creating space—for artists to grow and for communities to feel included.”
John Thimothy is an arts leader and cultural entrepreneur, and the Founder of the Regina International Film Festival & Awards (RIFFA). For over a decade, he has led RIFFA’s growth into an internationally recognized platform that advances inclusive storytelling and strengthens Saskatchewan’s media arts ecosystem through strategic partnerships, mentorship initiatives and community engagement. John works to democratize access to film and media arts, creating meaningful opportunities for artists from underrepresented and often overlooked communities while building bridges between creators and diverse sectors. His leadership is rooted in the arts being essential to cultural dialogue, social connection and long-term community development.
What fuels John: “What fuels me is creating space—for artists to grow and for communities to feel included.”
“John Thimothy led inclusive arts education and access initiatives over the last 18 months, supporting 22 artists with mental health challenges, mentoring 6 screenwriters, creating industry access for 35+ artists, and reaching 870 seniors and wheelchair users through accessible Canadian film exhibit.”
– from Naveen Varghese’s nomination statement
Organizations, Festivals and Collectives
CINERGIE, 2024. Photo Credit: Rene O'hÁinle
International Francophone Film Festival of Saskatoon CINERGIE
Film Festival
Saskatoon
“ ... thanks to the fransaskois community that we have such a beautiful festival and it ignites my passion to contribute to my community ...”
CINERGIE, the International Francophone Film Festival of Saskatoon, is a unique cultural attraction in Saskatoon that has been occurring yearly for 21 editions. Since its founding in 2006, it has been presented by the not-for-profit Francophone cultural organization Fédération des Francophones de Saskatoon. The Festival brings the perfect occasion to explore the world of francophone cinema with English subtitles, showcasing both local and international films and talent. Additionally, CINERGIE has marked the school experience of many francophone and French immersion students who attend the annual school programming or participate in our popular stop-motion workshops across the province.
What fuels CINERGIE: "For more than three years I have put all of my heart and dedicated countless hours to making the festival thrive. It is thanks to the fransaskois community that we have such a beautiful festival and it ignites my passion to contribute to my community, culture and language through it." – Älva Jouband-Uusitalo, Festival Director
“The Cinergie Film Festival is the only Francophone film festival in Saskatchewan. Last year they celebrated their 20th anniversary! They actively support French-language filmmakers from across Canada and worldwide. The festival is essential to the province's Francophone community.”
– from Simon Garez’s nomination statement
Photo: Ulrike Veith Billboard Photo Credit: David LaRiviere
PAVED Arts
Artist-Run Media Arts Centre
Saskatoon
“Our work is rooted in the idea that people in our community deserve access to the tools and support needed to express themselves ...”
PAVED Arts is Saskatchewan’s only artist-run media arts centre, supporting the creation, presentation and critical dialogue of contemporary media art. With a focus on artist-controlled, independent practices, PAVED offers public exhibitions and artist talks free to all and workshops free to members. Its Production Centre provides access to professional tools and facilities for artists working in audio, video, electronic and digital forms. PAVED actively fosters inclusion by creating entry points for BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ and equity-seeking artists. Through programming, outreach and collaboration, PAVED Arts plays a vital role in cultivating Saskatoon’s media art community and connecting it to national conversations.
What fuels PAVED: “We live in a media environment flooded with content arriving from distant sources. As a cultural worker and practicing media artist at PAVED Arts, I’m motivated by the belief that the means of media production can and should be demystified. Our work is rooted in the idea that people in our community deserve access to the tools and support needed to express themselves through media art in ways that are both personal and generative.” – David LaRiviere, Artistic Director
“PAVED Arts' co-operative model has proven to be effective in supporting local media artists. Centrally located in Saskatoon on 20th Street, they are responsive and integrated into the local arts scene.”
– from Simon Garez’s nomination statement