Crew Connect 2025
WEEDA AZIM
Weeda Azim (she/her) is a filmmaker based in Toronto who enjoys challenging a conventional narrative with an experimental, surrealist approach. Her ultimate goal is to embrace failure and chaos in her work, to create in order to understand herself, and to meet like-minded individuals along the way.
SIDDHI PATEL
Siddhi Patel (she/her) is a Toronto-based producer, editor, and post supervisor with over eight years of international experience in film and television. A graduate of Sheridan College and Sophia Polytechnic, she has worked on global projects including Netflix’s The Big Day, and award-winning documentaries like They Can’t So I Must and I’dentity. Through her boutique, The Orange Booth, Siddhi has collaborated with brands like Vogue, Nike, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and United Colors of Benetton. She is currently developing original scripts in the dark drama genre, exploring complex human relationships, with plans to direct her own narrative work.
SHAYNA ROSS-KELLY
Hi, I’m Shayna (she/her)! I’m a creative producer and emerging writer with experience in scripted development, physical production, and international distribution.
I currently work in film and TV distribution, supporting the development and global rollout of premium content. I got my start on set—managing commercials, short films, and web series—before moving behind the scenes into development and strategy. My background gives me a strong sense of story from both a creative and operational perspective, and I love collaborating on character-driven projects that are bold, emotionally resonant, and built to last.
I hold a degree in Film and Literature from Toronto Metropolitan University, where I was recognized with several awards for originality in screenwriting and creative writing.
SADIE CONNOLLY
Originally from London, UK, Sadie (she/her) moved to Toronto a year ago to break into the Canadian film industry. She has previously worked for Universal Pictures as an Acquisitions and Production Assistant and Elevation Pictures as an Executive Assistant. She is now working full-time in casting as a Casting Assistant for scripted TV and also has her own casting company - Sadie Connolly Casting, where she casts actors for short films in North America and the UK. Sadie's most recent short film LITTLE THIEF was selected to premiere at Santa Fe Film Festival, New Mexico.
QUEENA LIU
Hi, my name is Queena (she/her) and I’m a Chinese-Canadian cinematographer based in Toronto. My goal is to tell emotionally-resonant stories that reflect on personal experiences, community, and intersecting identities. I’m also a co-founder of True Film Studios, a production company operating out of both Muskoka and Toronto— helping brands create real films for real people.
MCKENNA PIPHER
McKenna Pipher (they/them) is a 26-year-old Neurodivergent, Queer, and Nonbinary digital artist and animator interested in gender, sexuality, and in-between spaces. They use variance, liminality and potentiality to queer bodies, places, institutions, and expectations to ask what it means to live in a world, and to interrogate whose stories are valued and told.
<Mckenna.pipher@gmail.com>
MARIANA URRUTIA
Mariana (she/they) is a film editor based in Toronto. They are dedicated to their craft and approaches challenges with an open mind and a creative flair. They have distinguished themselves in their field not only as a talented storyteller, but also an enthusiastic and insightful collaborator.
<marurrutia2@gmail.com>
MARIA BYKINA
Maria Bykina (she/her) is a film editor based in Toronto and takes pride in bringing nuanced stories to life. Her work has screened at Calgary International, Seattle International, AIFF, Reelworld, NFFTY, Canadian Film Fest and more. More than just a partner in the edit suite, Maria loves to get involved in the script and production stage, and champions films throughout the festival submission process. She is eager to explore non-linear storytelling and work on genre films like horror and psychological thrillers. Maria is an alumna of the Canadian Film Centre’s Editor’s Lab and has recently received a nomination for a Canadian Cinema Editors Award for her work on Thorn.
<mariabykina@gmail.com>
LIEF RASMARAN
Lief Ramsaran (she/her) is a TV Writer and Filmmaker who has written for shows in development with Netflix International, Paramount+ International, Crave and CBC. Most recently she wrote and story edited on two seasons of the Crave half-hour, “The Office Movers”. Lief is the co-creator of an original TV series "City Centre", in development with Film Forge and CBC.
LIAM MURPHY
Liam Murphy (he/they) is an underground filmmaker working primarily in sound; on set and in post. To him, both are great – one is social and one is not. He also has worked in the post supervision department for features Infinity Pool and The Queen of My Dreams, and he fills in the gaps by running AV for live events.
Despite having a largely narrative background, Liam has developed a hunger for doc, but also has discovered something immensely magnetizing about DYI guerilla filmmaking - seeking to recreate and reimagine moments in a manner that blur the border of fiction and non.
KRIS MYERS
Kris (any/ all pronouns) is an editor, assistant editor, photographer and award-winning writer. Recent TV credits include Small Achievable Goals, Run The Burbs (CBC) and the upcoming season of Wednesday (Netflix). Their latest, awarding winning short, The Sweetest Goodbye (Laughing Cat Productions), has been showcased at several international film festivals. Kris also has 2 Webby Awards for their work on the web comic Effin' Birds, beating out The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (which she's super proud of).
<kris.x.myers@gmail.com>
KETSIA BEBOUA
Ketsia Beboua (she/her) is a director and writer telling bold, thought-provoking stories across film and television. Her work blends comedy, drama, and surrealism to explore identity and purpose, with credits including the PBS-aired short doc Passion & Pursuit and the surrealist short Thalia. She’s currently developing her short-form digital series 'In Session' and a half-hour comedy MisDirected (optioned by Archipelago). A graduate of Algonquin College’s Film & Media program, she has continued her growth through Sundance Collab and the Soho House x CFC Mentorship.
KAY CHAN
Kay Chan (they/he/she) is a Two-Spirit/nonbinary Tkaronto-based artist who was raised across Turtle Island/Canada. With their mixed Métis-Asian heritages, Kay transforms their many experiences, passions, and identities into vision while weaving together traditional and digital art mediums they have accessible.
<kcchanportfolio@gmail.com>
KATHLYN ROSE GARDINER
Kathlyn Rose Gardiner (she/her) is a Filipina Producer and Director based in Toronto, Ontario. She has developed a curious point of view of the superficial barriers that interrupt deep and meaningful connections with one another and with ourselves. The barriers that are built, the internal biases, deter people away from exploring new perspectives but also their own internal discoveries. These rifts are a part of the universal story, to be understood as to understand - deeply, intimately, and sincerely. Her work is rooted in realigning our primal connection to one another, our communities, and most importantly our truest selves.
Kathlyn’s Producing and Directing work has been featured at Berlin Commercial Festival, Berlin Fashion Film Festival, and has broadcasted in US networks like Discovery, Oxygen, ABC, and Canadian markets including CBC.
KATE KOLO
Kate (she/her) is a filmmaker from Crimea, currently based in Toronto, Canada. Her perspective has been shaped by her studies in China during the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and her immigration journey from Tbilisi, Georgia, to Vancouver, Canada. Her work focuses on themes such as social class, belief systems, and survival.
JULIA HOGG
Julia (she/her) is a French Canadian emerging director and production designer who currently resides in Toronto, Ontario. As a recent graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University's film program, she has a passion for telling strange stories and loves putting her characters into absurd situations. She also enjoys creating the space that these characters live in, through the world of the art department.
<julia.hogg22@gmail.com>
JOHN TAN
John Tan (he/him) is a Toronto-based creative producer and business development specialist with experience across both studio production and independent filmmaking. At Blue Ant Media, he supports production and business development for the studio and has worked on series with major networks including Netflix, Hulu, CBC, and Amazon Prime. Independently, he has produced a range of short films and original stories, securing funding from government arts councils, private equity, and brand sponsorships. Passionate about crafting culturally resonant stories that explore the rich tapestry of humanity and human nature, John is focused on developing fresh, original projects and is always seeking to collaborate with like-minded creatives and partners.
<johntan4work@gmail.com>
JOANA BETZNER
Joana Betzner (she/her) studied Arts at Escola Massana and film at ESCAC in Barcelona and she completed her film studies in Toronto. She has been working since as a photographer and filmmaker, partaking different roles such as a cinematographer, photographer, director, assistant director and editor for different audiovisual projects, films, music videos, brands, and companies. Joana also works on her personal photography projects, partaking in 8 exhibitions;
Joana spent her early childhood in the silence and peace of the Pyrenees mountains of Spain, where she developed a deep admiration for nature. In her art, photography, and films she tends to explore the topics of our connection to nature, womanhood, spirituality and the paths to come back to our most pure essence.
JEZABEL BAMBERG
Jezabel Bamberg (she/her) is a Brazilian-Canadian screenwriter with a passion for grounded, character-driven stories. She was part of the writers’ room for the upcoming Bell Fibe series Bagged, and is a 2024 Reelworld E20 fellow with her original series Newcomers, now being developed as a short-form comedy. Her work blends humour, heart, and a healthy (fine, it’s actually unhinged) dose of chaos.
JESSICA FINCH
Jessica (she/her) is a Visual Effects (VFX) Producer in Toronto, currently at Switch VFX and Animation. She has a background in Production Management, and has worked in TV/Film, Post Production, VFX and Radio. A graduate of Vancouver Film School and TMU’s Media Production program (formerly RTA), she brings strong budgeting, scheduling and creativity to every project.
<jessicaf@switchent.com >
JENNY LEE
Jenny Lee (she/her) is a Korean Canadian TV writer and filmmaker. She is currently co-producer and writer on the CBC drama series MURDOCH MYSTERIES. Jenny likes to create character-driven works that examine family, society, and mental well-being and madness - all from a perspective grounded in the experiences of women.
<jenny.jjhlee@gmail.com>
IYOBO OKUNGBOWA
Iyobo Okungbowa (she/her) is a Creative Director specializing in fashion, style, and costume design.
Renowned for her research-driven approach, Iyobo creates visually compelling narratives by weaving together cultural and historical references through fashion, crafting statements that bridge the past and present.
INSIYA FODA
Insiya (she/her) is a South Asian Toronto-based multimedia composer, orchestrator, violinist and artist. Drawing inspiration from the stillness and nuance of classical music, visual detail, and emotion, Insiya composes immersive music that intuitively bridges the natural and impressionistic realms. Her work blends minimalism, orchestral elements, and synthetic atmospheres into a vivid, genre-spanning sound rooted in visual and emotional storytelling. Additionally, as the founder of "Little Moon Dreams," an independent emerging production studio, Insiya blends her passion for music with a professional artistic vision and invites listeners & viewers to her world, where sound and story intertwine.
HAYDEN SALTER
Hayden Salter (he/him/they) is a Chinese-Canadian trans/queer cinematographer based in Toronto, Canada. He is passionate in exploring themes of identity, relationships, queerness, growing pains, belonging and the adversities of the human condition. Hayden is a Toronto Metropolitan University graduate from the film studies program. He graduated with the Achievement in Cinematography Award, Norman Jewison Scholarship and was awarded Best Cinematography at TIFF Next Wave (2024).
Hayden’s work has been described as sensitive, evocative, intimate, gentle and naturalistic. He is highly driven by story, light and feeling. He seeks to work collaboratively to capture such storytelling that resonates with the viewer on a humanistic level.
<hayden.d.salter@gmail.com>
GUI MORILHA
(he/him). I'm a Brazilian filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada, since graduating from Film and TV in 2018. Focused on bringing underrepresented stories to light, my work spans award-winning music videos, shorts, and documentaries, which have been featured on CBC and at global festivals.
FATEEMA AL-HAMAYDEH MILLER
Fateema Al-Hamaydeh Miller (she/her) is a mixed-race Palestinian filmmaker whose work explores fragmented identity, grief & post-traumatic growth through "oh no, should I laugh?" comedy. Fateema is a WIDC and CFC Directors’ Lab alumni and recently completed a fellowship for Middle Eastern writers at USC. She is a firm believer in resistance through laughter.
<khafeefdamproductions@gmail.com>
ELLA SAINI
Ella Saini (she/they) is a Filipino-Indian Canadian filmmaker based in Scarborough, ON. Working primarily in documentary and mixed media animation, her practice explores the intricate relationships between people and their environments, spotlighting narratives within marginalized communities. Their recent short unhome, a documentary about gentrification in Scarborough, was screened at the 2024 TIFF Next Wave and the 2024 JAYU Festival of the Arts. Ella is currently co-directing and animating Hiroshimas Per Second, a short documentary about climate anxiety that recently won the Reel Asian So You Think You Can Pitch competition.
CAITLIN REYES
Caitlin Reyes (she/her) is a Toronto-based director, motion graphics designer, VFX compositor, and graphic designer dedicated to creating impactful visual stories. She began her creative path with graphic design and video editing before expanding her expertise into motion graphics and visual effects, developing a diverse and adaptable skill set. Caitlin’s work explores themes of identity, connection, and self-discovery through film, animation, and experimental visuals. A self-taught artist, she is driven by continuous learning and innovation.
She has been recognized as a top-five finalist in both the Adobe College + HBO and Adobe College + MTV Creative Jams. She was one of the few selected by Avion Rewards to attend the Toronto Eras Tour for a Taylor Swift-inspired TikTok she produced.
Caitlin is passionate about telling underrepresented stories and hopes to inspire others, especially young Asian creatives, to believe in their voices, trust their creativity, and know that their stories matter.
<caitlinreyesdesign@gmail.com>
BRONWEN SPOLSKY
Bronwen Spolsky (she/her) is an emerging filmmaker who works primarily in the sound department. After graduating from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2023, Bronwen has continued to explore the sound world by working on all different kinds of projects, from reality TV to features, commercials, and shorts. Bronwen enjoys being versatile and loves collaborating with other departments. Bronwen also has experience in the post audio world and especially enjoys dialogue editing and sound effects. When opportunity allows, Bronwen loves being able to double dip on both location and post sound on the same project and see it the whole way through.
<spolskyb@gmail.com>
BETTY ROBERTSON
Betty Robertson (she/her) is a BAFTA-nominated screenwriter, author, and designer. She's a warrior poet who's travelled from the coasts of BC to the steppes of the Alps, to Aotearoa. Her short: "Last Meal: A Love Story" made it to first runner up at the Canadian Short Screenplay Competition 2025, and her contributions to Assassin's Creed Valhalla garnered her that BAFTA nom. Currently, she lives in Toronto, working as a Narrative Director for Pop Sandbox, and writing her webcomic Jockstraps. She has a dog named Banana.
AVA SHAHNAVAZ
(she/her).I’m a passionate filmmaker, creative content write, visionary videographer and assistant director with over five years of international experience in film and media arts. I’ve directed and produced award-winning shorts, documentaries, commercials, and digital campaigns across 25+ projects. My work blends artistic vision with strategic intent; crafted to engage audiences, elevate brands, and create lasting impact.
ANTONIA RAMIREZ
Antonia Ramirez (she/her) is a Colombian-Canadian cinematographer with a background in Sustainable Community Development. She graduated from Simon Fraser University with a BFA in Film Production in 2021. Her work spans across documentaries, narrative, commercial and experimental projects.
ANNE VO
Anne Vo (she/her) is a Toronto based Production Designer for film & media. Documenting her Art processes and creates accessible educational content by specializing in commercials and music videos through content creation on social media. By creating thoughtfully designed worlds with intentional storytelling, she advocates her goal to elevate the voices of BIPOC creatives through her designs, teams and collaborations.
ANIA SMOLENSKAIA
(she/her) I’m a Russian Canadian film editor, currently based in Toronto. I started my career in video journalism, working between Toronto and Washington, DC. In 2011 I moved to London, UK where I worked with independent producers and global brands. Since my return to Toronto in 2020, I’ve been collaborating with incredible Canadian filmmakers.
My work includes BECOMING NOBODY, a documentary about the spiritual guru Ram Dass, ICE-BREAKER, a rollercoaster tale of the historic 1972 hockey Summit Series, and RELENTLESS, a story of an off-shore solo sailor’s attempt to win one of the most gruelling ocean races in the world. The latter was honoured with a Silver Dolphin at Cannes Media and TV festival. The latest title, PLASTIC PEOPLE, has been nominated for 3 Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Editing in a Documentary.
I’m an alumna of the prestigious Canadian Film Centre film program.
ANGELICA SARMIENTO
(she/her) I'm a versatile Media Producer, Photographer, and aspiring VFX Producer based in Canada. I've produced content for film, theatre, government campaigns, and industry promos—wearing many hats from producer to editor. My background blends creative vision with hands-on technical and logistical expertise.
I thrive in fast-paced environments, love collaborating with directors and artists, and excel at turning ideas into compelling visuals—on time and on budget. I'm currently expanding into VFX and always open to connecting with fellow creatives and collaborators.
Breakthroughs Team
BETH WARRIAN
Festival Manager
Beth Warrian (they/she) is a Toronto-based writer-director fascinated by inner worlds, liminal states, and the spiritual dimensions of queer experience. Their short film Adore premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival, going on to win season 16 of CBC Short Film Face Off and Best Canadian Short at Inside Out. They brings a strong background in event coordination and business affairs, most notably in their work with Canadian prodco Film Forge. Born and raised in Brampton, ON, where the energy and resources of the big city often felt worlds away, Beth is thrilled to join the BFF team in championing the scrappiness and ingenuity of emerging creators challenging dominant narratives and modes of production.
NEDDA SARSHAR
Board Chair
Nedda Sarshar (she/her) is an Iranian-Canadian writer and filmmaker based in the Greater Toronto Area. Her short film idea, Unibrow, was the winner of Reel Asian’s So You Think You Can Pitch competition and a recipient of the Canada Arts Council Concept to Realization grant. Her other short Rachel and Raha (a short film about queer women of colour and their immigrant families) is currently in the festival circuit, premiering at the Canadian Film Festival, and winning Best Short Film at the Toronto LGBT Film Festival and Best LGBT Short Film at the Toronto Short Film Festival. She has completed the inaugural BIPOC TV and Film Kids Writing Program, and was a finalist for the IGP*BIPOC TV and Film Accelerator program where she was chosen as one of five (out of 90) applicants to pitch a pilot script to a production company. She is also a prose writer, who has been published in places like Huffington Post Canada and short-listed for contests like the Edna Staebler Personal Essay Contest with the New Quarterly.
HAYLEY RIVIER-GATT
Board Secretary
Hayley Rivier-Gatt (she/her) is a Toronto-based communications strategist, podcast producer, and designer. She is the co-founder of Anti-Heroine Media, a creative communications studio that foregrounds storytelling for social change. Bridging feminism and design, Anti-Heroine Media employs an intersectional lens, centering accessibility and inclusion to reduce barriers for those who are structurally excluded. Hayley completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Film Studies at Carleton University, with a specific focus on intersectional representation in recent cinema through the depiction of anti-heroine characters. She sits on the Breakthroughs Film Festival board as the secretary, and recently participated as a member of the Selection Committee for the Gender Equity in Media Festival. She spends much of her free time watching horror films, doing crosswords, and attempting unnecessarily complicated baking projects.
TRISTEN SUTHERLAND
Board Member
Tristen Sutherland (they/he) is Toronto based writer, director and producer whose work explores themes of masculinity, queerness, and belonging. They’ve worked on projects for CBC Gem, Big Bad Boo and Dreamworks Animation and are alumni of the Oya Emerging Filmmakers Program, Reelworld Emerging 20 and the Spindle Films Mentorship program. BLOOM ROOM, their short form series, premiered at Inside Out 2023, and went on to screen at festivals internationally. Their short doc REEL BLACK: OUR FILM STORIES took home Best Documentary at the Caribbean Tales Film Festival, WIFT’s Audience Choice Award, and Best Canadian Film at Breakthroughs Film Festival. They are committed to creating spaces where nonbinary, trans and women emerging filmmakers can thrive!