Ernesto Griffith, who played Billy Beal in the movie Billy which dealt with the life of an early black settler in Manitoba, was also the co-writer and co-producer on the film. Ernesto (right, on the film set), a member of the Manitoba branch of ACTRA, and his colleagues have been recognized by being granted the 2010 Human Rights Commitment Award of Manitoba.

It is an award presented by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, the Canadian Human Rights Commission, and the Manitoba Association of Rights and Liberties. This year the award recognized individuals or groups who have promoted human rights through the arts. The filmmakers and actors were co-recipients of the award, along with the Manitoba Theatre For Young People.

Many in the local ACTRA community worked on the film and are proud to have participated in such a fine venture.