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John Young
The JL Filmmaker Award will now bear the name of New Brunswick filmmaker John Young, who passed away at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in September, 2024.
John’s first screenplay, Water into Wine, won the JL Filmmaker Award in 2020 and had its world premiere at the Fredericton Playhouse at the annual Silver Wave Film Festival. John and his wife, Gloria, were active members of the NB Film Co-op and enjoyed their involvement in the provincial film community. Prolifically creative, John had produced two films since 2020 and was in post-production on his latest two projects at the time of his death.
“John was a respected film colleague, but more than that, he was my dear friend. I will miss our conversations and his quick wit, humour, and humanity,” says JL Legacy Fund President Cat LeBlanc.Anyone wishing to contribute to the JL John Young Filmmaker Award can contact the JL Legacy Fund at catmaryleblanc@gmail.com
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Zwerg/Eldon Thiele
New Brunswick-based Jason Betts could do anything creatively. He was a well-known actor who went by Eldon Thiele and a talented musician known as Zwerg. He also created beautiful costumes that were highlighted in music videos, films, and photography shoots.
The annual JL Music Composer Award will now be called the JL Zwerg Music Composer Award to honour his creative genius. Jason passed away early in March, 2024.
Zwerg released 8 CDs and earned Music NB Award nominations. His one-man band, Zwerg, released 10 music videos airing on Much More Music. His work has been well-received by US, Canadian, and European radio, and has been featured extensively on Canadian national radio shows Radiosonic & Brave New Waves (CBC).
"Now, through our annual music composer and acting award this talented person will be forever remembered for his spirit and creative brilliance," says Cat LeBlanc, President of the JL Legacy Fund. "His legacy will live on."
Anyone wishing to contribute to the JL Zwerg Music Composer Award or JL Eldon Thiele Acting Award can contact the JL Legacy Fund at catmaryleblanc@gmail.com
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Dianne Churchill
On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Dianne Churchill passed away suddenly. From pilot to VooDoo club manager to teacher to lawyer, Dianne’s resilience, kind ways, and work ethic allowed her to accomplish many things she put her mind to.
She was a multi-instrumentalist, playing clarinet in the Codiac Concert Band, a singer, an actress, and a board member of several organizations, including the Writers' Federation of New Brunswick.
"I think Dianne would be honoured. The idea of an award going to a budding new artist seems very on-brand. You have my blessing, absolutely.” Caleb MacDonald, Dianne’s husband.
“This is a great initiative that I’m sure would touch Dianne greatly. When she was a WFNB director, it was evident to me that she was the kind of person who lightened the load of everyone around her and made it look easy.” Rhonda Bulmer, Executive Director, Writers' Federation of New Brunswick
“If any of you knew Dianne, you know that she was one of the best storytellers around and that anyone lucky enough to spend any length of time with her would become a great storyteller, too.” Kris Windley, Program Director, Writers' Federation of New Brunswick.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the JL Dianne Churchhill Storytelling Award can contact the JL Legacy Fund at catmaryleblanc@gmail.com
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Glen D. Ross
Community builder and talented photographer Glen D. Ross passed away suddenly in the Saint John Hospital in 2022. A photographer with a discerning and artistic eye for beauty, Glen was also a loyal and faithful friend to many in the creative community. Glen was a long-time NB Film Co-op member, lover of good movies, excellent coffee, cats, beautiful women, and jazz. He had a lovely daughter Katrina, a wonderful granddaughter Imogen, a beloved sister, wonderful nephews, and extended family who cherished him, as well as many friends from all walks of life and ages worldwide.
Glen could strike up a conversation with anyone and was a charmer. He could talk about film, history, music, and politics for hours. He loved driving his bike, visiting his family, and having coffee weekly with NB Film Co-op Executive Director Tony Merzetti and his cozy coffee clutch of friends.
Photo by Brian Atkinson
Anyone wishing to contribute to the JL Glen D. Ross Photographer Award can contact the JL Legacy Fund at catmaryleblanc@gmail.com
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Issac Miller
Legacy is an important thing to honour, especially when it's someone who, although very young, only 14, was innovative and multi-talented. Isaac Miller's joie de vivre and inquisitive mind will always be remembered through a new creative youth award that bears his name. Isaac died in 2014 but left a rich legacy behind. He was a skateboarder, photographer, filmmaker and explorer with an old soul.
Click Here to watch the in memory video.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the JL Isaac Miller Creative Award can contact the JL Legacy Fund at catmaryleblanc@gmail.com
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Errol Williams
Errol Williams was a pioneer filmmaker who was introduced to filmmaking at the NB Film Co-op in the late 1980’s. He produced award-winning dramas and documentaries. After his untimely death in 2007, a special award was set up in his honour by his friends Chris Campbell and Tony Merzetti.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the JL Errol Williams Filmmaker Award can contact the JL Legacy Fund at catmaryleblanc@gmail.com