Behind every great director is a story about how they got there – and it’s rarely a straight path. From crew calls to creative calls, this panel dives into what it really looks like to step into the director’s chair with Breaking In: The Transition to Directing.

Cheers 🥂 to Nick Butler, Joanna Tsanis, Meelad Moaphi, Dan Abramovici, Rebecca Applebaum, and moderator Shawn Gerrard breaking down the journey, the challenges, and the leap it takes to move into directing.

🎙️ Episode 14 on CFF’s Cheers & Chats Podcast just dropped!

Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Big thanks to our sponsor DGC Ontario for making conversations like these possible — and accessible to creators through CFF.

Funding and broadcast aren’t just about where your project lands – they’re how you unlock the opportunities your story deserves.

Cheers 🥂 to Donna Cagnoli & Paul Gardner (Bell Fibe TV1), Mich Geddes (Neshama Entertainment), Suzanne Marshall (Hollywood Suite), Mark Shapland (IPF), and moderator Katie Uhlmann (WebSeries Canada) for joining us to get creators FUNDED AND SEEN – breaking down partnerships, relationship-building, and how to position your project for success.

🎙️ Episode 13 on CFF’s Cheers & Chats Podcast just dropped!

Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Big thanks to our community partner Webseries Canada for co-presenting this panel at CFF.

Location scouting isn’t just where you film — it’s how you unlock the cinematic canvas your story deserves.

Cheers 🥂 Dason Johnson, Richard Hughes, Bobby Donches, and moderator Magali Simard for joining us to SCOUT T.O. and break down the craft, creativity, and strategy behind choosing the perfect location.

🎙️ Episode 12 on CFF's Cheers & Chats Podcast just dropped!

Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Big thanks to our sponsors xoTO and DGC Ontario for making this panel possible – and accessible to creators through CFF.

CFF kicked off our 2025 Industry Series with a powerful conversation on GLOBAL VOICES, featuring festival-selected filmmakers whose international stories and lived experiences are helping redefine Canadian cinema.

Cheers to Yazmeen Kanji, Amir Kahnamouee, Celestina Aleobua, Tarique Qayumi, and moderator Anya Vegabova — welcome to the fest!

Join them for an inspiring discussion on collaboration, creativity, and the power of storytelling without borders.

How do filmmakers discern which stories serve as conduits for impactful storytelling? It is a fine art to delve into emotional realities while infusing fictional elements to craft storylines and these CFF filmmakers give it to us straight - Cheers Aisha Evelyna, Taylor Olson, and Christopher Yip - welcome to the fest! This crafty conversation shares insights on discovering the optimal medium to create resonant, innovative, and sensitive adaptations of these intricate subject matters.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to make a microbudget feature film right now! Get ready to soak up invaluable wisdom from a dynamic group of crafty CFF alumni filmmakers who just did it - Cheers Ingrid Veninger, Andrew Chung, Faran Moradi, and Jaqueline de Niverville - welcome to the fest! Whether you’re navigating Canada’s grant system, or considering raising funds on your own - this episode is a must-listen filled with unconventional tips for anyone who’s ready to dive in and do what it takes to get their film to the finish line.

We get to hear from some truly amazing CFF featured animators who give us valuable insights into the animation process, from initial conception to final fruition - Cheers Courtney Wolfson, Sam Chou, and Kjell Boersma - welcome to the fest! Join them on an imaginative journey to explore the dynamic relationship between content and form in the boundless world of animation.

The process of collaborating with a composer can be such a mystery, but let this panel conversation be your guide - cheers Fraser Collins, Shervin Kermani and moderator Richard Pierre - welcome to the fest! Join these toe-tapping talented composers and filmmakers who explore the art and business of music composition behind making your film truly sing.