2024/25 Impact Report

IMPACT‌‌ REPORT‌ 2024/25

Land Acknowledgement Located within the city known as Toronto, or Tkaronto, in Treaty 13 Territory, the CFC is a settler organization located on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabeg, including the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Chippewa; the Haudenosaunee; and the Wendat.

Tkaronto is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

The land the CFC occupies is protected by the Dish With One Spoon covenant, an agreement between the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee to peaceably share and care for the Great Lakes region.

As members of Canadian society, we are all Treaty people. Many of the individuals who work at the CFC and on this land have come to what is known as Canada as settlers, immigrants or newcomers, whether forcibly or by choice, in this, or previous, generations.

We thank and honour all those who came before us and ask that wherever you are located as you read this report, we encourage you to reflect on the land that you are on, your relationship with the land, who the traditional keepers of the land are, and what the treaty relationship is. You can start by visiting native-land.ca to learn more.

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Table of Contents Page 2 Land Acknowledgement

Page 4 Message from the Chair & Executive Director

Page 6-8 The Norman Jewison Film Program

Page 9 TALENT SPOTLIGHT: Malachi Ellis

Page 10 TALENT SPOTLIGHT: Gillian McKercher

Page 12 TALENT SPOTLIGHT: Anna Catley

Page 13 New Program: CInematography Intensive

Page 14 TALENT SPOTLIGHT: Iris Ng

Page 15 New Program: Hair and Makeup Intensive

Page 16-18 CBC Actors Conservatory

Page 19 TALENT SPOTLIGHT: Ashton James

Page 20 CFC Community

Page 21 CFC by the Numbers

Page 22 CFC Events

Page 23-24 CFC Partners

Page 25 CFC Board of Directors

Page 26 Circle of Supporters

Page 27 CFC Staff

Page 28-29 In Memoriam

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Message from the Chair & Executive Director Dear Benefactors, Friends, Alumni, Creative Industries, and Government Partners, This year, the CFC proudly celebrated the extraordinary talent of Canadian storytellers including 64 alumni whose work showcased at TIFF. Through our hands-on programs, from championing women cinematographers to training hair and makeup artists, and spotlighting Black excellence in our CFC Conversations, we continued to nurture the voices shaping our culture. None of this would have been possible without your belief in us. We thank you.

As we look ahead, our “Catalyst for Creatives” Five-Year Strategic Plan is designed to elevate the next generation of storytellers by focusing on Creativity, Careers, and Community. We are committed to training these creators in modern production methodologies and market readiness, so that Canadian stories resonate on the global stage.

This vision is bold, and we cannot do it alone. Achieving it requires the collective strength of our partners across the creative industries. As you turn these pages and witness the impact of the CFC, we invite you to stand with us and invest in the voices of the next generation and help shape the future of Canadian storytelling. Together, we can ensure that our stories don’t just live on, but they ignite imaginations and inspire hearts globally for generations to come.

Sincerely, Neishaw Ali Chair, CFC Board of Directors CEO & Executive Producer, SpinVFX

maxine bailey Executive Director, CFC

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The Norman Jewison Film Program Over 5 ½ months of intensive learning, residents heard from and met with 126 Canadian and international film and TV industry professionals. The sessions offered a variety of perspectives, different methodologies on business and creative practices, real craft/story skills development while facilitating an exchange of intel and knowledge.

Additionally, mentors provided oneon-one guidance, continuity and expertise to residents on various aspects of storytelling, and career strategies.

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Breaking Down the Creative Process, the Business, and the Marketplace

Residents met with and heard from 137 industry professionals

We also hosted over 30 crossover/all lab workshops including 5 In Conversations

Guest sessions offered a variety of perspectives, different methodologies on business & creative practices, and real world craft/story skills development while facilitating an exchange of intel.

Guests such as Peabody-winning creators/actor BILAL BAIG, critically acclaimed writer/producer/director CLEMENT VIRGO, multiple award winning Cinematographers LUC MONTPELLIER & KRISTIN FIELDHOUSE, STEPHANIE WILSON CHAPIN (Strategic Partner Manager, YouTube Canada), and Oscar-winning producer MILES DALE moderated by director VINCENZO NATALI.

Producers’ Lab hosted 80+ sessions/workshops Directors’ Lab hosted 40+ sessions/workshops Writers’ Lab hosted 35+ sessions/workshops Editors’ Lab hosted 30+ sessions/workshops Our residents worked closely with 28 mentors

Residents also benefitted from participating in 7 industry/community networking events, including attending 2024 TIFF as industry delegates and being central at CFC Homecoming.

Mentors provided one-on-one guidance, continuity and expertise on various aspects of storytelling, and cross collaborative work, while also supporting and challenging the residents to elevate their voices and their ability to execute on their vision.

Producers benefitted from over 25 individual sessions Directors benefitted from over 40 individual sessions Writers benefitted from over 60 individual sessions Editors benefitted from over 15 individual sessions

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Developing Original New Stories/Projects Better Positions These Storytellers For Their Next Steps

Writers and producers significantly expanded their slates, while directors deepened their understanding and development of their feature projects.

The program delivered a significant amount of original IP to take into the marketplace: 19 features 12 series 10 project slates 5 produced Writer Proof of Concepts 5 produced short films going on to the international festival circuit Over 40 projects developed & packaged and ready to submit to commissioning entities and for funding applications in just 5 ½ months!

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TALENT SPOTLIGHT:

Malachi Ellis

Malachi Ellis is a Toronto-based film and television producer committed to telling authentic, engaging stories that amplify underrepresented voices. Focused on narratives of identity and self-discovery, Malachi aims to revolutionize storytelling for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ audiences. In 2023, he was selected for both the Reelworld Screen Institute’s Producer Program and the CFC’s Norman Jewison Film Program Producers’ Lab. As an independent producer, Malachi has collaborated with emerging Canadian talent on acclaimed short films including I Live Here (dir. Tyler Evans), Diaspora (dir. Tyler Evans), and Fish Boy (dir.

Christopher Yip). Recognized as one of Playback Magazine’s “10 to Watch” in 2021, he continues to shape stories that empower both audiences and creators.

What was your introduction to the CFC and what drew you to apply to the program?

While studying at TMU, I had to complete volunteer hours in various film and television productions or companies. The Canadian Film Centre was one of those options, so I volunteered as a Production Assistant on various Story Assignments for different cohorts. After graduating and meeting filmmakers like Lindsay Blair Goeldner and Claire Desmarais—alumni of the program—I eventually decided to apply, knowing it would be the next step in my career.

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What was your experience like at the CFC? Are there any standout moments or lessons that shaped your approach to filmmaking?

CFC was an incredible experience. I’d always heard how it transformed filmmakers and elevated their careers, but I didn’t fully grasp it until I sat in a session with other producers learning about film financing. I asked our mentor countless questions, and at that moment, it hit me—I really knew what I was doing. That realization gave me a huge confidence boost as a producer and encouraged me to reach new heights.

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You’re always better together. Filmmaking is a team sport— surround yourself with people you admire and who support you.

Read the full interview by clicking here.

How has your time at the CFC influenced your career trajectory? Have there been any key connections or opportunities that emerged from your time there?

After completing the CFC, my focus shifted toward producing long-form content. Together with CFC alum Nic Altobelli and producing partner Lauren Saarimaki, we founded Area V5 Pictures.

Our goal is to develop and produce innovative storytelling that redefines the boundaries of the entertainment industry and resonates with audiences on an international scale.

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TALENT SPOTLIGHT:

Gillan McKercher Originally from Calgary, Gillian McKercher was a director resident at the Canadian Film Centre in 2019, and in 2024 was selected to Playback’s 10 To Watch. Most recently, she completed her second feature film as writer/director, Lucky Star, which received support from CFC/Netflix Development Accelerator.

Lucky Star was the Closing Gala film at the 2024 Calgary International Film Festival, before premiering at the 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival and 2025 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

What first drew you to directing, and how did that passion evolve into pursuing the CFC Directors Lab? I studied chemical engineering and worked in the oil and gas industry for a few years, but I had this deep sense of disconnection. I called it “career dysphoria.” No one in my family was in the arts, and especially in Calgary, it felt like filmmaking was an impossibility. Still, in 2016, I decided to take the leap and pursue film full time. I made my first micro-budget feature, Circle of Steel, through a grant from the Calgary Film Centre. Around that time, I also worked at the Calgary International Film Festival and started my own company, Kinosum Productions. After that, I applied to the CFC Directors Lab because I needed to grow, and I needed to find my people.

What were some of the biggest lessons or revelations you took away from your time at the CFC? The CFC really changed everything for me. It felt like the first step towards entering the larger Canadian film community. There was this idea that if you were serious about being a filmmaker, you did a Toronto stint. I had been volunteering at artist-run centres, making things happen in Calgary, but I knew I needed that next level of support. When I got into the CFC, I immediately felt this pressure to prove myself.

Cinema Scope Magazine was a big deal at the time, and I was reading that to study, thinking everyone in the program would be this huge cinephile. But everyone was way more relaxed than that, so it was great.

I realized that people just wanted to make great work and learn from each other. I brought this urgency, like I had to make everything happen right away and it all had to be perfect, and the CFC gave me a chance to slow down and actually think about what I wanted to say.

How did participating in the CFC Directors’ Lab shape the way you approach projects today?

How do you think your voice as a director has changed since?

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I realized that people just wanted to make great work and learn from each other. I brought this urgency, like I had to make everything happen right away and it all had to be perfect, and the CFC gave me a chance to slow down and actually think about what I wanted to say.

Read the full interview by clicking here.

The CFC was the first time I was in a creative environment where people saw me as a director, not just someone making films, but someone with a voice. I came in with a lot of internalized pressure to be taken seriously. But I found that once I let go of that, I was able to connect more with my work and with the people around me.

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TALENT SPOTLIGHT:

Anna Catley

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A graduate of the 2022 NJFP Editor’s Lab, Anna Catley’s journey as an editor is driven by a lifelong obsession with cinema. Her diverse credits include the feature films Paying For It and We Forgot to Break Up, which earned her dual Canadian Screen Award nominations for Achievement in Editing, Feature Film in 2025. In addition to her narrative work, Anna has edited music videos and performances for artists like H.E.R, Alessia Cara, The Tragically Hip, and Mother Mother.

How did your participation in the NJFP Editors’ Lab help to advance your career?

I entered the CFC with two main goals. First, I wanted to find a new network of filmmakers, one where my goal of working in long-form narrative projects was shared. The program absolutely delivered on that—I’ve built so many genuine friendships and found like-minded creative partnerships that were forged during my time in the Norman Jewison Film Program. My second goal was that I wanted to land my second feature as an editor. After cutting Warren P. Sonoda’s Things I Do For Money in 2019, I expected more opportunities to come my way, but the pandemic definitely stalled momentum. In interviews for editor positions on other feature films, I was often told that one feature credit wasn’t enough. I felt like I was in a bit of a catch-22 where I needed more editor credits to recommend me but I wasn’t being given those opportunities. When I asked for advice from my peers, many fellow editors recommended the CFC as another way to gain industry recognition. I was told that not only would I learn a lot and make meaningful connections, but that going through the Editor’s Lab at the CFC would add a kind of stamp of approval to my CV–something that could recommend me even with only one feature film credit to my name. It worked because just a month before completing the program, I was hired to edit my second feature film, Karen Knox’s We Forgot to Break Up.

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I entered the CFC with two main goals. First, I wanted to find a new network of filmmakers… The program absolutely delivered on that —I’ve built so many genuine friendships and found likeminded creative partnerships that were forged during my time in the Norman Jewison Film Program.

What are some highlights from your time in the program?

Read the full interview by clicking here.

I have so many highlights from my time at the CFC! Beyond getting to do what I love in such a supportive, inspiring, and beautiful environment, two things stand out the most: the editor lab workshops and the friendships I formed. The workshops were a core part of my experience because they exposed me to new editing techniques, perspectives, and ways of thinking about storytelling. One of my favorite exercises was when each editor was given the same dailies and asked to cut a scene with no direction.

Seeing how differently we all approached the same material was so fascinating and made for really in-depth conversations about how we work. And then there were the friendships. Some of my closest friends in 2025 are people I met at the CFC in 2022. The collaborative spirit of the program made it easy to form deep connections, and those relationships have continued to be an invaluable part of my life and career.

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New Program: Cinematography Intensive

OUR FIRST EVER CINEMATOGRAPHY INTENSIVE launched on August 12th 2024, thanks to financial support from the Paul Bronfman Family Foundation. This new collaboration with the Canadian Society of Cinematographers saw us welcome 5 female Directors of Photography into the Norman Jewison Film Program for an impactful 2 weeks of creativity, collaboration and business.

The DOPS worked closely with the NJFP residents in the realization of 10 produced scenes written by the writers, directed by the directors and edited by the editors. Their participation along with the involvement of Cinematography mentors Zoe Dirse and Arthur Cooper, elevated the process and the end results – bringing the “cinematic” back into the storytelling and contributing to even more creative partnership building.

This has been an important addition to our training and we are delighted that it will continue into the future thanks to a multi-year gift from the Paul Bronfman Family Foundation, in honour of Paul’s passion for this initiative.

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TALENT SPOTLIGHT:

Iris Ng

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Do you have any personal recommendations on how the industry can move towards increased gender and racial parity?

Iris Ng was one of five women cinematographers selected for the CFC’s inaugural Cinematography Intensive.

Iris has been a cinematographer for 17 years and is known for work that focuses on human rights, marginalized communities, and auteur perspectives. She has extensive experience in documentaries and has lensed films for contemporary artists, including shot scripted shorts, prime time TV, and digital series. Her most notable works include the acclaimed film Stories We Tell (Dir. Sarah Polley), Netflix’s Shirkers (Dir. Sandi Tan), and Emmy award-winner Making A Murderer.

What initially drew you to cinematography?

I was originally inspired by watching old Hollywood films when I was a kid with my Mum and paternal Grandmother. I remember seeing cinematographer James Wong Howe’s name on a few films where the lighting and camera perspective really stood out against others. In particular, the POV opening sequence of Seconds and the use of fisheye lenses during the film’s most disturbing scenes highlighted the camera as the tool that could elevate the experience of a story.

Can you tell us about your experience at the inaugural Cinematography Intensive and why given your vast experience you were drawn to attend?

It was described to me by Zoe Dirse (President, CSC) as a chance for mid-career DOPs to hone their skills in narrative filmmaking, which is how I would self-describe. I’ve shot a range of projects and feel I have experience but also sense there is a gap in how my skills are perceived and how transposable they are to other genres. I saw it as a wonderful space to both push myself to try a different approach to image-making and also contribute to the unique projects that would undoubtedly come out of this program. It also was a great opportunity to meet talented creatives and to immerse myself in the craft. The most wonderfully unexpected and gratifying part of it all though, was how cohesive and supportive the cinematography cohort was with each other. Working alongside Kaayla, Paola, Emma, and Claire over the course of this program was the most valuable part of this experience!

An equitable lens has to be implemented systemwide, but in a manner that is thoughtful and careful. I think we all need to be more educated as to the systemic sources of inequality in our industry so that measures to give underrepresented people opportunities are not met with personal resentment or frustration.

Ticking boxes and supplanting roles in front or behind the lens in order to appear to have diversity is unhelpful and has negative side effects on the ground, as I’m sure we’ve all witnessed first-hand. And I believe these meaningful shifts need to be supported at the executive levels to be effective. On the individual level, we need to have the compassion, patience, and mental energy to receive the education that will enrich our understanding of why these shifts are necessary.

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I saw it as a wonderful space to both push myself to try a different approach to imagemaking and also contribute to the unique projects that would undoubtedly come out of this program. It also was a great opportunity to meet talented creatives and to immerse myself in the craft.

Read the full interview by clicking here.

What advice would you give to aspiring cinematographers?

My general advice would be: Avoid having a fixed notion of your path. Don’t let it discourage or limit you from discovering ways of working that draw on your specific strengths as you develop your craft. And try to transcend that hierarchy of genres and the ways in which we typically think cinematography can be fulfilling.

Let’s all find our own ways to be useful through our work to the world around us and to our community by way of our backgrounds, our personal experiences, and our personal strengths.

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New Program: Hair and Makeup Intensive

OUR FIRST EVER HAIR & MAKEUP INTENSIVE launched September 23rd, 2024 for 2 months of interaction with NJFP resident teams on our short films and Writer Proof of Concept productions. Thanks to support from NABET, Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada, CMPA and our program partner CMU College of Makeup Art and Design, we welcomed 5 BIPOC hair & makeup artists into the CFC program family.

Their talent, their commitment and their engagement in these productions also elevated the experience and the onscreen work. It ensured that our diverse cast were well taken care of in the HMU chair, while offering each HMUA a significant number of credits and hours towards union accreditation.

This intensive also helped us formalize the learning and training our NJFP productions offer BTL talent and technicians, recognizing that they benefit more than just the film residents and contribute to capacity building within our production community.

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CBC Actors Conservatory We launched the recruitment campaign and call for applications for the 2024/25 Conservatory in February and received a total of 315 applications from actors across Canada.

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CBC Actors Conservatory Showcase Premiere We developed, shot, edited, and premiered eight Close Up showcase pieces at the CBC Actors Conservatory Industry Showcase at Hot Docs Cinema, where 500+ guests celebrated emerging talent.

Industry Reach A digital brochure, distributed to 1,000+ industry professionals, amplified exposure. The 2024/25 Close Ups launched on CFC’s YouTube and were submitted to festivals, garnering attention and acclaim.

Program Impact The program delivered 32 on-camera opportunities, 30 workshops, 41 coaching sessions, 9 business intensives, and 7 networking events, plus 22 cross-program collaborations.

Accessibility & Selection All eight actors received full scholarships and bursaries. From 358 applicants, 27 were shortlisted, and the next cohort is set to continue building momentum.

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Alumni Highlight Reel 1.

1. Milcania Diaz-Rojas starring in the acclaimed feature from R.T. Thorne 40 ACRES 2.

2. Ashton James starring in the feature BOXCUTTER and appearing as the lead in the feature Youngblood alongside CFC Actor Alum Emidio Lopes. Ashton was also in the Netflix Top 10 mini series Madness.

3. Veronika Slowikowska who took home a CSA for BEST LEAD PERFORMER, CHILDREN'S OR YOUTH for her role on DAVEY & JONESIE'S LOCKER and recently joined the season 51 cast of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.

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4. Supinder Wraich accepted the award for best lead performer in a drama series at the Canadian Screen Awards for her role as Sabrina on CBC’s series ALLEGIANCE.

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5. Michelle McLeod can be seen in the Hulu comedy series How to Die Alone playing opposite Natasha Rothwell.

6. Grace Glowicki (writer, director & lead) premiered her feature film DEAD LOVER at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and then went on to play at SXSW, where she received the Neon Auteur. It appeared in the Midnight Madness section at TIFF 2025.

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TALENT SPOTLIGHT:

Ashton James

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How did you begin acting and when did you know this was the path for you?

My grandmother was an actor in Saint Lucia, doing theatre. As a child, I’d stand backstage, watching her and others play characters that would make the audience completely lock in. They wouldn’t be worried about anything outside of that moment. I imagine, subconsciously, something in me wanted to chase that same spark—to step into a story and feel it move people for a moment or two. As for when I began, I feel like I still haven’t started, lol. I’m constantly in search of that. Some days it feels like I can hold my own with actors I respect, and other days I feel completely disoriented by the art form. But I’ve found that tension keeps me curious—about myself, and about the work.

Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during your time in the CFC Actors Conservatory that contributed to your growth as an artist?

The program was challenging in the sense that I wanted to extract everything from it. I felt this constant internal pressure to always be on. What helped me settle, though, were my fellow actors. They each lived so fully in their own authentic spaces and watching that taught me a lot.

Before the Conservatory, I was always searching outside myself—looking to mentors, books, coaches, interviews—trying to understand acting through someone else’s lens. I came to realize that my creativity was my own, and whatever approach I personally had to the work was acting. Genuinely bringing myself and the things I had to offer.

That realization was freeing. It set me on the path of no longer needing validation from the outside. My connection to art was mine to claim, and for the first time I felt I had something to offer—whether it succeeded or failed, it was entirely my own.

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Before the Conservatory, I was always searching outside myself—looking to mentors, books, coaches, interviews—trying to understand acting through someone else’s lens. I came to realize that my creativity was my own, and whatever approach I personally had to the work was acting.

Read the full interview by clicking here.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors looking to break into the industry?

Ashton James is a graduate of the 2019 CFC Actors Conservatory.

A 2023 Canadian Screen Award nominee for his work in Amanda Parris’ Revenge of the Black Best Friend (CBC Gem), Ashton has since appeared in Beyond Black Beauty (Amazon/Family) and Carlton Cuse’s Five Days at Memorial (Apple TV+). Other select credits include season two of Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent (Citytv) and the Netflix mini-series The Madness.

Recently, Ashton starred in the indie feature Boxcutter, directed by CFC alum Reza Dahya, which premiered at SXSW 2025 and the Atlantic International Film Festival. Next, he takes on the titular role in Youngblood, a reimagining of the 1980s classic, which premiered at TIFF 2025.

I’ve shared this often, but it’s a grounding reminder for myself that teachers and mentors have offered to me, so I offer it again: “You are enough, but you can only be enough if you’re brave enough to be you.”

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CFC RESIDENTS & PARTICIPANTS

2024 Norman Jewison Film Program Directors’ Lab: Luvleen Hunjan Kalainithan Kalaichelvan King Louie Palomo Andy Reid Joy Webster

Producers’ Lab: Alison Almeida Lucy McNulty Nicholas Nyhof Shaista Roshan Priyanka Shailendra

Writers’ Lab: Victora Anderson-Gardner Stephanie Fabrizi Brandon Hackett Briony Merritt Helena Morgane

Editors’ Lab: Jake Lee Andrea Novoa Santiago Ruiztorres Ania Smolenskaia

2024 Actors Conservatory Residents

2024/2025 CBC Actors Conservatory Aldrin Bundoc Theresa Cutknife Eva Foote Arianna Laya-Garcia Taelor Lewis-Joseph Emidio Lopes Andrea Morreale Ed Pinker

2024 Hair and Makeup Intensive Alannah Delgado Paola Rincon Sadé Tuitt Eleanor Vaz Janessa Yuen

2024 Cinematography Intensive Paola Contreras Emma Djwa Iris Ng Claire Sanford Kaayla Whachell

2024 Norman Jewison Film Program Residents

2024 Make Up Intensive participants

2024 Cinematography Intensive participants

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BY THE NUMBERS

2200+

alumni

More than

of all CFC alumni continue to work in the industry

80% 200+ 115+

alumni enterprises including

women owned digital media startups

101+ 29

Canadian Screen Award nominations for CFC alumni, with

From Bayview Avenue to the World From our iconic campus in north Toronto, the CFC is a space for Canadian creators, with alumni from coast to coast to coast. Our alumni also reside globally, making our impact felt worldwide!

85% 60+ 150-200 800+

of all CFC alumni continue to reside and do business in Ontario

industry partners, including unions and guilds, to support programs/workshops established industry professionals who lead our training sessions

cast and crew each year gain hands-on training and on-set experience on CFC productions and events – technical positions get union/guild approved logged hours, credit, a screen credit, and interact with veteran crew

wins across several categories!

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CFC Events 2024 CFC GALA: Decades The 2024 CFC Gala: Decades in May marked our first major event following the passing of our founder, Norman Jewison.

The annual fundraising event celebrated Norman’s work and legacy, with heartfelt tribute videos from those who have worked with him over the years and a touching speech from his granddaughter, Alexandra.

CFC Homecoming 2024 In September, CFC Homecoming welcomed alumni, supporters, and industry guests to campus for our annual celebration of the CFC’s alumni and their incredible impact on Canadian film & TV. The afternoon featured performances by DJ Ron Jon, acclaimed hoop dancer Lisa Odjig, musician Gabriela Rodgers, and the Paul Langlois Band.

CFC Conversations: Black Excellence Two insightful events in our CFC Conversations: Black Excellence series took place, featuring conversations with costume designer Antoinette Messam in August and director (and CFC alum) Karen Chapman in December, moderated by CFC Executive Director maxine bailey. This free public series, presented by TD Bank Group, is devoted to perspectives told

by Black creatives in the screen-based industry and a platform for industry leaders to speak openly about their experiences and inspire positive change for future artists.

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2024/2025 CFC Partners Thank you to our partners for your commitment to the CFC. We are grateful for your support of the next generation of Canadian storytellers.

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

LEAD SUPPORTERS

PROGRAM PARTNERS

2024 CFC GALA: DECADES

CFC HOMECOMING PARTNERS

Pre-Reception Hosts Shaftesbury SpinVFX

Presenting Partner Netflix

Platinum Partners Castlepoint Numa Cineplex The Paul Bronfman Family Foundation Our many 2024 CFC Gala: Decades table and ticket purchasers

Supporting Partners IATSE 873 Lionsgate Canada Shaftesbury Industry Partners A&E Networks APTN Bullfrog Power Chubb Insurance Company of Canada Clearly Canadian KIC Group Sustainable Production Forum Toronto Film School

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2024/2025 CFC Production and Post-Production Partners These industry partners provide CFC productions with essential in-kind rentals and services. Our residents’ short films, CloseUps and Writers’ In Development pieces wouldn’t be possible without their generous support!

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NEW BOARD MEMBERS

2024/2025 Board of Directors Kate Alexander Daniels* Neishaw Ali (Chair) Paul Bronfman† Tassie Cameron Stéphane Cardin Councillor Shelley Carroll* (ex officio)* Dr. Shirley Cheechoo* Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin (ex officio) Guillermo del Toro Steven DeNure* Duane Green Harold Gronenthal (Treasurer)

Cheryl Hudson (Vice Chair)* Christina Jennings* Raja Khanna Anne Loi Owen McCorquodale David W. Middleton* John Morayniss Mark Sakamoto* Magali Simard Hilary Smith* Clement Virgo David Zitzerman*

*Directors who were members of the 2024/25 board but have since completed their service.

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) announced the appointment of three distinguished new members to its Board of Directors: Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, who serves as the city councillor for Don Valley West, Magali Simard, Cinespace Studios’ Director of Industry & Community Relations, and Owen McCorquodale, Head of Communications for Prime Video in Canada. These esteemed individuals bring a wealth of experience to the Board to further drive the CFC’s mission and to enhance the cultural landscape of the Canadian film and media industries.

CFC Founder’s Council Eric Belcher Don Carmody Neal Clarence Suzette Couture David Cronenberg Steven DeNure (Chair) Blake Goldring Christina Jennings Kevin Jewison M. George Lewis David W. Middleton Bob Munroe Gary Slaight 28

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Circle of Supporters Windfields Cretney Williams Investments Inc. Kate Alexander-Daniels and David Daniels Robin and Robert Ogilvie*

Gold Kathryn Emslie* Fiera Capital* Harold Gronenthal

Silver Stéphane Cardin Kevin Fisher, Gardiner Roberts LLP* Robert and Julia Foster* Duane and Angela Green Christina Jennings**

Bronze William Clarke*** Dr. and Mrs. Paul and Joyce Chapnick*** Angela Charlesworth Heather Conway** Suzette Couture* Carey Diamond & Tina Urman Family Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto Richard and Pamela Earle Deborah Fallows**

Platinum Neishaw Ali E.J. Alon maxine bailey Steven and Alison DeNure Blake and Belinda Goldring***

Cheryl Hudson and Michael Say* Munroe Family* Dr. Betty Rozendaal and Sonny Goldstein***

Brian Stockton David Zitzerman Anonymous

David Kines and Teresa Walsh* Anne Loi Kimberly Manky and Rhys Lloyd Nancy and John McFadyen*** Abby and Perry Minuk*** Franca Miraglia John Morayniss

The Norman and Margaret Jewison Charitable Foundation*** Cecil and Robert Rabinovitch* MaryAnne Runnalls*** Andra Takacs*** Richard Wernham and Julia West**

Hue and Jonathon Foo* Doreen Gryfe*** Jacqueline Mackey* Tara Parker John Riley Harvey Rogers*** Marvin and Joan Waxman***

*over 5 years of support **over 10 years of support ***over 20 years of support

As at March 31, 2025

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2024/2025 CFC STAFF Arezou Abbassi — Manager, Human Resources Ashley Abbott — Executive Lead, Finance Jonah Allingham — Assistant, Facilities Jane Angel — General Counsel Zahrah Asad — Coordinator, Communications & Social Media Gillian Ashton — Manager of Executive Office, Board Relations & Special Projects maxine bailey — Executive Director Carly Beath — Director, Development Sarah Brooks — Director, Programs Administration & Facilities Chelsea Crothers — Manager, Events Kathryn Emslie — Executive Lead, Programs Vincent Fan — Coordinator, Events & Rentals Jon Fernandes — Senior Manager, Information Technology Rafael Luiz Garcia da Penha — Production Manager Hannah Heidrich — HR/Office Coordinator Christian Jacobsen — Post-Production & Technical Manager Rachel Lai — Accounting Specialist

Lee Marshall — Supervising Producer Jacqueline Mackey — Executive Lead, Finance (retired) Haydee Moo-Choy — Director, Finance Dean Oriade — Manager, Marketing Rakhee Sapra — Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications Emily Scheer — Senior Manager, Alumni Advancement Rick Sherman — Senior Development Officer, Government Relations / Corporate Communications Isabella Shi — Coordinator, Programs Shannon Stone — Senior Development Officer, Philanthropy Emily Thorne — Assistant, Production Eileen Wang — Accounting Specialist Litian Wang — Post Production & Technical Coordinator Jon Wooder — Coordinator, Programs Wayne Stewart — Coordinator, Facilities

*Contract staff, or Staff who departed prior to March 31, 2025.

Happy Retirement!

Bon Voyage!

Deborah Fallows has retired from the CFC after fifteen years as Executive Lead for People & Culture, also responsible for IT and Operations. Her accomplishments include strategic HR initiatives focused on equity, efficiency, and employee management. She led DEI efforts and introduced flexible work policies to support work-life balance and attract top talent. Deborah modernized HR operations by implementing an HRIS system to manage data and automate performance management. Deborah promoted a respectful workplace through targeted training and policy development, implemented equitable compensation practices, delivered youth employment opportunities through the Canada Summer Jobs Program, and improved vendor management and cross-departmental technology integration in partnership with IT. Thank you for your service, Deborah!

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In Memoriam: Paul Bronfman It is with deep sorrow that the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) acknowledges the passing of Paul Bronfman, a valued member of the community and a long-time supporter of Canadian cinema and television. As the chairman and CEO of Comweb Corp. and William F. White International, and a key figure in the Canadian film industry, Paul’s impact was immeasurable. His vision, dedication, and leadership helped shape the landscape of film production, supporting talent and fostering growth in the Canadian creative sector.

Paul Bronfman initially joined the CFC Board in 1990 serving till 1996, rejoining in 2017. Paul was an invaluable member of the board, consistently engaged in supporting the CFC’s mission.

Paul’s legacy extends beyond his remarkable business accomplishments. He was a passionate advocate for the development of Canadian filmmakers and artists and strived to ensure that the industry thrived here and abroad. His influence will continue to resonate in the work of countless individuals he mentored and the many initiatives he supported.

Through the Paul Bronfman Family Foundation he has been a long-time supporter of the Norman Jewison Film Program, most recently serving as the lead funder and champion for the CFC’s groundbreaking Cinematography Intensive for female-identifying DOPs.

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We are deeply saddened to say goodbye to members of the CFC family: Paul Bronfman (1957-2025) Member of the Board of Directors (1990-1996 and 2017-2024), longtime supporter of the Norman Jewison Film Program and supporter of the new Cinematography Intensive through the Paul Bronfman Family Foundation, CFC champion.

Michael Melski (1969-2025) Graduate of the CFC Film Program (Writers Lab, 1996) and Professional Screenwriting Program Bootcamp (1997), directed and co-wrote PERFUME WAR (Best Documentary, AFF 2016, and Best Humanitarian Film, Sedona IFF 2017).

Jaye Robinson (1962-2024) Ex officio Member of the Board of Directors (20152022), City of Toronto Councillor for Don Valley West (2018-2024), as a member of staff at the city in 1988 she helped secure the use of Windfields Estate for the CFC.

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