Today, IFP in conjunction with RBC (the Royal Bank of Canada) announced the winners of the 2011 RBC Emerging Visions Program. The Emerging Visions Director Prize went to Adam Bowers (New Low) who received a cash prize and the chance to shoot an advertising campaign for RBC. The runner-up, Ryan O’Nan (The Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best), was also awarded a cash prize. The two filmmakers were among 25 writers and directors who participated in the 2011 RBC Emerging Visions Program, a day-long event intended to bring filmmakers together to network with industry professionals and each other. In order to enter the program, each individual was required to prepare a professional proposal for a RBC campaign.

“We are grateful to RBC for giving us the opportunity to support emerging talents in such a direct and meaningful way,” said IFP’s Executive Director, Joana Vicente. “Not only is it important for these filmmakers to gain more professional experience as directors, but this also helps them achieve their long-term career goals.”

In the past, mentors such as Philip Seymour Hoffman (Jack Goes Boating) and Barbara Kopple (American Dream) have participated in the event. Other finalists in the program include Thomas Kim (The Singing Road), Nick Bentgen (Northern Light), Ryan Koo (Man Child) and Danielle Lurie (Fortunate Sons).