Two local filmmakers have another shot at a major award, but they’re so busy with other projects, they won’t be able to make it to the ceremony.

Marianne Garrah and David Baker are finalists for an Alberta Film and Television Award, known as a “Rosie”, but they’ll be in Ottawa when the gala awards show takes place in Edmonton on April 29. The film is one of the finalists in a category honouring films that reflect the cultural diversity of Alberta.

“We’re doing a conference on cultural tourism for the province,” said Garrah just a short time after learning that her film had made the final cut. “We can’t make it, but maybe my daughter will be able to go.”

“Dreamers and Doers”, the documentary conceived, produced and shot by Garrah and Baker, is a showcase of arts and culture in Alberta over the past 100 years. The film was also named as a finalist for an Alberta Tourism award late last year.

The honours and positive notices for the project continue to flow in, but Garrah believes this latest achievement is one of the most significant for the film.

“This is pretty high up there in terms of getting noticed,” she said. Garrah and Baker are preparing for a trip to the Banff World Television Festival in June. The gathering of the top TV executives in North America is a golden opportunity for small producers like them to pitch ideas and secure funding for projects. Whether or not they walk away with a “Rosie”, this helps, Garrah said.

“It gives you that little bit of notoriety that everyone is looking for.”