The Yorkton Film Festival (YFF) has announced a new set of awards aimed at recognizing Yorkton citizens, businesses, and organizations that improve the community.

The “Jamie Awards,” named for YFF founder James Lysyshyn in honor of the festival’s 65th anniversary, will be awarded in six categories: Community, Visionary, Leadership, Education/Learning, Health/Wellness, and Empowerment.

“We’re just really thrilled to … create something that honors the people of Yorkton — people like James, who had a vision, who wanted to do something a little different, and had … the backing, and went for it,” said festival co-chair Karey Harris at the announcement on April 10.

The six award categories were deliberately made broad, said Harris, to attract a wide variety of nominations. The awards are not just for people connected to the film festival, and not just for achievements in the arts.

“Basically, it’s anybody you can think of.”

The Jamie Awards are part of an effort by the festival organizers this year to give thanks to the city, its people, and its businesses for supporting the YFF.

“We’re really looking at it to be a celebration of people, but also of community, because that’s what’s kept this festival going for 65 years,” said Harris.

Nominations will be accepted between now and May 10 through the Yorkton Film Festival website (www.goldensheafawards.com), at the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery, and at several local businesses.

The awards will be handed out — potentially with multiple winners in each category — at a gala evening at the Painted Hand Casino during the film festival on May 24.