ABOUT GENNELLE CRUZ

Immigrating to Toronto from Manila in 2015, Gennelle is a 22 year-old creative who aims to tell stories that haven't been given enough attention by the mainstream media. Gennelle got his start through the mentorship of Toronto-based creative house Kid. Studio and has since been developing a body of work that embodies his oft- sentimental and introspective nature. Given his love for cinema, his immigrant background, and his passion for creation, he has been able to mix his visions with his cinematic influences to push himself to new styles of storytelling and artistic expression. 

With an outsider’s perspective on western media and art, Gennelle brings a unique worldview to the table and has since worked with artists from his now-home Toronto, U.S., and the U.K. In addition to directing, Gennelle also taps into various creative practices and outlets such as photography, graphic design, and painting. In recognizing the difference in his experience compared to his contemporaries, with great humility, Gennelle acknowledges that he “is an expert at absolutely nothing.” as stated by artist Teresita Fernandez. 

https://vimeo.com/shipp

THE LIPSETT AWARD

The Lipsett Award is presented to a Canadian music video artist for their innovative and unique approach to music video art. Arthur Lipsett was a Canadian filmmaker best known for his sound collage films made for the National Film Board of Canada in the 1960s. Lipsett’s unique approach to editing sound and image earned much attention, as well as an Oscar Nomination in 1962 for the film Very Nice, Very Nice. 

2021 RECIPIENT - Gennelle Cruz
2020 RECIPIENT - tranquilo
2019 RECIPIENT - Soleil Denault
2018 RECIPIENT - Karena Evans
2017 RECIPIENT - KID. STUDIO
2016 RECIPIENT – Kristof Brandl
2015 RECIPIENT – Jared Raab
2014 RECIPIENT – Cudmore & LeBlanc