The TIFF–CBC Films Screenwriter Award supports Canada’s emerging writing talent through funding the development of great screenplays. The Award provides $15,000 to a Canadian writer for their outstanding feature-film screenplay and special mentorship opportunities.
We’re committed to funding the development of high-quality productions that reflect, represent, and reframe diverse perspectives through character-driven stories at the centre of the Canadian experience.
Join us in congratulating the winner of the 2025 Award, Lloyd Lee Choi, for his screenplay Yakult Ajumma.
Lloyd Lee Choi is a Korean Canadian writer and director who grew up in the suburbs of Scarborough, Ontario. His first short film, Same Old, had its world premiere at the 75th Cannes Film Festival in the Main Competition. It went on to premiere at TIFF (Special Jury Mention, Canada’s Top Ten), New York Film Festival, and won Best Short at Raindance. The feature film adaptation, Lucky Lu, is currently in post-production with Hisako Films and Significant Productions. Lloyd’s recent short film, Closing Dynasty, won the Crystal Bear for Best Short Film (Generations) at the 73rd Berlinale, the Audience Award at SXSW, the Grand Jury Prize at AFI Fest, Best US Short at Palm Springs, and Best Short Film at Hawaiʻi International Film Festival. It’s currently streaming on Netflix.
Lim Min-ja, a middle-aged yogurt delivery woman, leads a routine life in Seoul. When she finds her favorite client dead and suspects foul play, she sets out to uncover the truth. Her search, however, unearths long-buried secrets from her own past.
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CBC Films supports feature films that reflect, represent, and reframe a range of perspectives at the centre of the Canadian experience. Committed to creative excellence, cultural relevance, and talent development, CBC Films prioritizes storytelling that amplifies equity-deserving communities, along with a parallel commitment to gender parity. CBC Films encompasses CBC’s continued investment in Canadian features, filmmakers and film industry, including the TIFF–CBC Films Screenwriter Award, now in its seventh year of supporting the country’s dynamic screenwriting talent. With a robust library of over 200 Canadian films available to stream on CBC Gem, CBC strives to create an unparalleled destination for Canadians to discover homegrown film.