‘Village Keeper’ bags Best First Feature at 2025 Canadian Screen Awards. Photo from Enrique Baniqued
Cementing its place among the most promising independent films of the year, Filipino produced-film “Village Keeper” by Enrique Miguel Baniqued, has taken home the coveted Best First Feature Film award at the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards (CSAs).
Despite its limited budget and compressed shooting timeline, “Village Keeper” resonated deeply with critics and audiences, earning widespread acclaim for its storytelling, performances and emotional impact.
The film’s CSA win not only recognizes its cinematic excellence but also celebrates the collaborative spirit that brought it to life as Baniqued, reflecting on the achievement, said the recognition is a meaningful validation of the team’s hard work and the creative risks they took.
“It’s a testament to everyone who poured their heart into this film,” he said in a statement sent to Inquirer.net USA. The journey, he added, has been eye-opening and transformative – especially for a young producer still forging his path in the industry. The experience reaffirmed his commitment to telling bold, culturally grounded and underrepresented stories.
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On social media, cast member Zahra Bentham shared her excitement following the win. “CSA 2025 with my Village Keeper family! WE TOOK HOME A WIN!!!!” she wrote. “Thank you God!! It legit takes a village to make film, what an honour to be acknowledged for the work! Thank you @thecdnacademy for having us!”
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The celebration extended beyond the cast and crew, with Roots Reggae Hub joining in the praise. “So proud of my beautiful mom, Maxine Simpson on her nomination, and my sister-friend of over a decade, Karen Chapman… on her Best First Feature win at the 2025 CSAs for Village Keeper,” they posted.
The message also commended director Enrique Miguel Baniqued and the “amazing crew behind this powerful film,” calling attention to the strong representation and talent involved.
