OCan24

Minerva Navasca’s film Desync has been awarded Jury Prize and David Rendall’s film Triage has been voted Audience Favourite at this year’s Ottawa Canadian Film Festival with screenings on November 7-9 at the historic Bytowne Cinema in Ottawa.

“Desync stood out as the top film from this year's program with its masterful use of sound, editing, and writing to explore the complex relationship between conflict and love in immigrant families. Minerva Navasca skillfully blends fiction and reality, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the story. The Jury unanimously chose to award Desync with this year's Jury Prize." — Zachary Chabot, Jury President

“An arguing couple deal with a sick pet at the height of the pandemic in Rendall’s film Triage. Rendall took his characters on an emotional journey, constantly “ratcheting up the heat” in the claustrophobic pressure-cooker they were forced to endure. It was especially impressive to learn that Colin Platt, the lead actor, was actually driving the vehicle in the film. The audience had a chance to chat with Rendall and Platt, who attended this year’s festival. Congratulations, team Triage, winners of Audience Favourite this year." — Jith Paul, OCan co‑founder

It was great to return to Bytowne Cinema for our eighth annual festival. Thank you to the City of Ottawa and Gallivan Wealth Management of RBC Dominion Securities for your financial support, and thanks to all of the local businesses and other non-profit film festivals for expanding our reach by sharing details about our screening.

Thanks to local directors, Luca Fiore, Amir Zargara, and Hassib Hani, and Lisa Kockeritz, Kelly Saxberg, David Randall, Bobby Singh Brown, Kiarash Dadgar, Shelby Adams, and Stéphanie Gagné, who visited Ottawa to support their films and participate in Q&A sessions. This is, by far, the largest group of filmmakers attending the festival in person!

Thanks to Jury President Zachary Chabot, and jury members Daniel Perras, Fitch Jean, and Nicole Bedford for giving us one of the strongest line-ups in our 8-year history, and a special thanks to Nicole for moderating our post-screening Q&A sessions.

Thanks to members of our board and volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make this year’s festival a success, and to everyone who attended. It is fantastic to see your support for independent Canadian films and filmmakers

About OCan:

The Ottawa Canadian Film Festival is a cultural, not-for-profit organization that celebrates Canadian film. Our mission is grounded in the belief that Canadian film and filmmakers are distinctive and vital to our country’s culture and the development of the local economy. This artist-run organization is composed of a volunteer board of directors and jury members. We believe in programming and content that provides Ottawa audiences with entertaining and high-quality independent films, information, activities and events. Our festival, events, online presence and resources aim to encourage collaboration, artistic innovation and creativity while providing access for a broad audience segment.

Contact:

• Email: media@ocanfilmfest.ca
• Instagram: @ocanfilmfest
• Facebook: @ocanfilmfest

Desync, Jury Prize winner,
OCan Film Festival 2024

Triage, Audience Favourite winner,
OCan Film Festival 2024

Bytowne Cinema Marquee during OCan24

Ayam Zaman (The Old Days), Hassib Hani (he/him), (Ottawa, ON) [ Drama | Romance ] [ Arabic, English | Presented with English subtitles ]

Hadi finds himself an unexpected guest at Adam's engagement party decades after they last spoke, where at last they will come face-to-face with the events that tore them apart.

Born in Lebanon, raised in Canada, Hassib Hani brings stories that merge his Arab heritage with his upbringing in low-income communities in Canada. His filmmaking style immerses audience in stories that feel real and which bring to life scenarios we seldom know exist.

"The gentle and culturally-rich world of the film, the intimacy, love and trust portrayed by the performers – wow, just wow. There’s real gold here, and it’s breathtaking." - Alvin Tsang, film613 review

Hassib Hani

<Bridge the Gap>, Luca Fiore (he/him), (Ottawa, ON) [ Documentary | Comedy ]

Dan’s everyday life becomes the focus of a documentary crew that only he can see.

Luca Fiore is an award-winning music video director from Ottawa, ON. He has directed music videos for Juno Award winning artists, has had his work shown in film festivals in Canada and the USA, and has had his short films broadcast all over Canada on CBC.

More info: Website |Instagram

"Bridge the Gap pleases with its absurdity and its balance between a monotone and artsy weirdness. This one is definitely worth checking out." - Alvin Tsang, film613 review

Desync, Minerva Navasca (she/her), (Oakville, ON) [ Narrative | Drama ] [ English, Tagalog | Presented with English subtitles ]

A young Filipina filmmaker attempts to overwrite a painful memory of her mother with a perfect narrative.

Minerva Navasca (she/her), is a Filipina-Canadian filmmaker exploring narratives of cultural dysphoria and girlhood with intimate specificity. Stating, “I want to make films about subjects that make me uncomfortable,” Minerva delves into perspectives steeped in anxiety and internalized shame, using the medium to interrogate the socio-political roots of these beliefs. She is a 2022 & 2024 TIFF Next Wave Alumni, and the winner of the 2024 BFI Future Film Festival Best Documentary Award. She collaborated with NBC Universal and Canada Walk of Fame as part of the Future Storytellers Program.

More info: Trailer | Instagram

"As writers, we are told to 'write what you know,' and as the film suggests, sometimes that approach can be taken very literally. " - Zach Chabot, film613 review

"Desync is a tightly-written story that offers many emotions and themes, and hits every one of them with delicate accuracy." - Alvin Tsang, film613 review

Minerva Navasca

La folle traversée de Philippe (Philippe, a lake and a dream), Stéphanie Gagné, (Chicoutimi, QC) [ Documentary ] [ French | Presented with English subtitles ]

Un père sédentaire lance un défi complètement fou à sa fille. Ce défi transformera bien plus que leurs deux existences. Une traversée du Lac Saint-Jean qui ira bien au-delà du 32 kilomètres initial.

A sedentary father issues an insane challenge to his daughter. This challenge will transform more than just their two lives. A crossing of Lac Saint-Jean that will go well beyond the initial 32 kilometres.

Stéphanie Gagné is the owner and manager of a documentary and advertising production company in Quebec. Since 2004, she has produced short films for international film festivals, web capsules, corporate productions and commercials, which makes her an experienced producer. Her 3 international feature documentaries are just the beginning, as she has so much more ideas to produce several more.

More info: Trailer | Facebook

"La folle traversée de Philippe is an incredible and moving documentary that will have you crying tears of sadness and joy." - Nicole Bedford, film613 review

Stéphanie Gagné

Gro$ Lot (Jackpot), Sharbel El-Showairy (he/him), (Sainte-Adèle, QC) [ Satirical Comedy ] [ French | Presented with English subtitles ]

Dans un village de Noël, après un accident de travail, Jordan reçoit un billet de loterie de son amie Sam. À leur grande surprise, ils gagnent un million de dollars! Les deux amis devront cependant se battre pour défendre leurs idéaux.

In a Christmas village, after a work accident, Jordan receives a lottery ticket as a gift from his friend Sam. To their surprise, the ticket wins a million dollars. Each having a different goal with the money, they will need to fight for their ideals.

Born in Lebanon, Sharbel Showairy is a writer and director based in Montreal. Seduced by the art of storytelling and always questioning the world around himself, his goal is to tell untold stories about the truth of humanity. “Gro$ lot” is his second short film.

More info: Trailer | Website | Instagram | Facebook

Sharbel El-Showairy

A Good Day Will Come, Amir Zargara (he/him), (Ottawa, ON) [ Drama | Sport ] [ Persian | Presented with English subtitles ]

Arash is a professional wrestler with dreams of representing his country and winning gold medals. The country is in turmoil and its people are suffering. Arash must decide between using his platform to stand up to tyranny, or put his head down and remain silent.

Amir Zargara is an Iranian-Canadian (BIPOC) director and filmmaker, whose unique perspective is shaped by the cultural mosaic of Iran and Canada. His journey, characterized by the resilience of an immigrant and the challenges of living with a stutter, deeply influences his approach to filmmaking. At the heart of Amir's philosophy is a belief in the inherent humanity of all characters. His films delve into the moral complexities faced by individuals, focusing on the gray areas of human character and advocating for empathy over judgment. This perspective is a direct reflection of his life experiences, bridging diverse cultures and personal challenges.

More info: Trailer | Website | Instagram | X

"A Good Day Will Come is a haunting and heartbreaking film that serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of resistance." - Fitch Jean, film613 review

"A Good Day Will Come is a painful watch in the best ways. It’s political, it’s atmospheric, and it’s gut wrenching. The experience was absolutely gripping from start to finish" - Alvin Tsang, film613 review

Interview with filmmakers David Randall and Amir Zargara about their short films. Triage and A Good Day Will Come. - A Luta Continua on CKCU FM 93.1 - November1, 2024

Amir Zargara

Les mots d'amour (Words of Love), Laetitia Demessence (she/her), (Montreal, QC) [ Poetic | Dance ]

« Les mots d’amour » est un court métrage poétique avec danse où une dame âgée est prise au piège de la solitude. Seule dans un monde sans liens humains, elle trouve refuge dans l’énigmatique compagnie de ses voisins à plumes, les pigeons. Son désir désespéré d’amour se transforme en obsession, brouillant les frontières entre la réalité et le rêve.

“Les mots d’amour” is a short poetic dance film portraying an elderly woman who is trapped in solitude. Alone in a world without human connections, she finds refuge in the mysterious companionship of her feathered neighbours—the pigeons. Her desperate longing for love transforms into an obsession, blurring the line between reality and illusion.

Laetitia Demessence is a Franco-Spanish director and screenwriter who grew up in Spain, Indonesia and Chile before emigrating to Québec to study film at the Université de Montréal. Since completing her university degrees, she explores directing through various short film projects, music videos, and dance films. Laetitia is currently finishing her first feature film, "Chemins de terre", for which she received support from Telefilm Canada.

More info: Trailer

Laetitia Demessenc

Nix's Symphony, Karina Loerchner (she/her), (Waterloo, ON) [ Animation | Fantasy ]

Libelle, Nix's mother, possessed exceptional abilities. She not only excelled in the fields of science and engineering, but also gained fame as a distinguished inventor and composer. Nevertheless, at a tender age, Nix, an aspiring musician and inventor in her own right, is now burdened with the responsibility of upholding this remarkable legacy.

Karina Loerchner was born in Ontario, Canada, and has had a passion for music since she was a young child. During high school, the COVID-19 pandemic presented unexpected challenges. However, Karina took advantage of the time spent at home by delving into musical composition and taking 3D animation lessons. Karina's pursuit of knowledge and her dedication to her craft have fueled her growth as a filmmaker. She is committed to continuously improving her skills and exploring new creative avenues to produce captivating and meaningful films.

More info: Trailer | IMDB

"Nix's Symphony is a beautiful animated short with an incredibly creative take on a musician’s writer’s block." - Alvin Tsang, film613 review

Karina Loerchner

OCD, Madonna Gonzalez (she/her), (Vancouver, BC) [ Drama ]

Amanda, a girl with a debilitating "tick", fights to survive the war raging within her terrifying psyche - all while stuck sitting in a Psych 101 lecture.

Madonna Gonzalez is a Latin-Canadian actress and director with a BFA in Drama Performance from the University of Lethbridge. Coming from an extensive theatre background and directing pieces for the stage, she is eager to make OCD her directorial debut for the screen. Some of her acting credits include Yellowjackets (Showtime), Virgin River (Netflix), Cruel Summer (Freeform), and most recently as Janelle in Hallmark's The Blessing Bracelet.

More info: IMDB | Instagram

"Barely a few seconds in, you begin understanding OCD, the effect on its sufferers and those around them." - Daniel Perras, film613 review

"Its message is sophisticated and thought provoking. I highly recommend checking this one out." - Alvin Tsang, film613 review

Madonna Gonzalez

Radio Bingo, Shelby Adams, (Akwesasne, ON) [ Documentary ]

To help revitalize the Mohawk language, a local reservation radio station incorporates the Mohawk language into a game of Radio Bingo.

Shelby Adams is a director, writer, producer and actor. She is a First Nation member of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation and co-owner of Dreamcatcher Studio which she operates with her daughter. She is a NY Emmy award winner for the documentary, THE ROOTS OF LACROSSE, which was turned into a full feature documentary and now in festivals. Shelby has directed and produced plays that have raised awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and trafficking that has made an impact and garnered huge reviews. Recently, she graduated from Toronto Film School and was valedictorian of her program. Her calling card short film "Radio Bingo" premiered at the Atlanta Film Fesitval in 2023, and is in development as a half hour dramedy with Schitt's Creek's Project 10.

More info: Trailer

"Radio Bingo tells the story of a local radio station incorporating the Mohawk language into radio bingo. This one is worth checking out." - Alvin Tsang, film613 review

Shelby Adams

Safe Space, Matt Pittroff (He/Him), (Toronto, ON) [ Narrative | Sci-Fi | Dramedy ]

While under the duress of their spacecraft's evacuation warnings, a female scientist and her AI male assistant debate the terms and conditions of their no-longer-platonic relationship.

Matt Pittroff has been helming very short form stories for nearly two decades. Pittroff deftly balances the absurd with reality—to create an undeniably accessible brand of humor. His prowess for casting and comedic timing has led to awarded commercial campaigns for Hilton Honors, Bank of America, Firehouse Subs, McDonald’s, and National Car Rental. His work has been showcased in Creativity, AdWeek, SHOOT, and at Cannes.

"Safe Space takes aim at how an AI bot compares in an emotionally-complex relationship between humans. It’s a fun and interesting short film worth checking out." - Alvin Tsang, film613 review

Silent Cries (Kiayunik Tuhanak), Navalik Tologanak (She/her), (Iqaluit, NU) [ Documentary | Biography ]

"It happened every year during long weekends in September. That's when all the planes, little planes start flying around Nunavut and NWT (North-Western Territory) collecting kids at camps. As soon as you hear that plane coming around you know what was gonna happen, some of them hide, run away… But the parents were always threatened if their kids didn't get on that plane. All you could hear was mothers, grandmothers crying". Navalik Tologanak (Netflix-BANFF Diversity of Voices 2023 Alumni), journalist and emerging filmmaker shares her experience as a residential school survivor. Silent Cries (Kiayunik Tuhanak) documents the private meeting between Pope Francis and Inuit survivors on their land in July 2022. As a respected Elder, Navalik weaves her personal story into the narrative to bring an intimate perspective to a historic event and what followed.

Navalik Tologanak is a proud Inuinnaq from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut who celebrates her heritage and traditions. She is a residential school survivor. Sent away to Inuvik and Yellowknife for 12 years, she lost traditional skills and her language. She fought hard to relearn Inuinnaqtun and graduated from the Indigenous Languages Program from the University of Victoria in 2019 at the age of 65. She began her journalism career in 1995, writing for Nunavut news. She’s been photographing and documenting events in her community in Inuinnaqtut for 29 years. She would like to continue telling those stories using digital media to make a series of short films.

More info: Trailer | Website

Navalik Tologanak

Stealing Vows, Bobby Singh Brown, (Toronto, ON) [ Heist Drama | Comedy ]

Set in 1998 and inspired by real events, 'Stealing Vows' is a thrilling 2-hour heist film that delves into the heart of the South Asian wedding industry. A group of four wedding vendors—a cunning photographer, a charming emcee, a resourceful caterer, and a creative decorator—find themselves on a daring summer spree, robbing the opulent homes of their affluent clients during the wedding receptions. Their audacious quest? To pilfer enough riches to purchase their own dreams of happily ever after. But as the stakes rise and alliances shift, the line between love, loyalty, and larceny becomes blurred in this exciting rollercoaster ride of heists and hijinks.

Bobby Singh Brown is a Toronto based filmmaker who grew up as a Hollywood kid in a Bollywood home. After a decade as a DJ and music producer, he spent the past 20+ years creating award-winning documentaries, shorts, music videos, and commercials. "Stealing Vows" marks his debut in full-length features.

More info: Festival Promo |Trailer | Website | Instagram | Facebook | X

"Stealing Vows is a highly entertaining, smart, and witty heist film with something for everyone." - Jith Paul, film613 review

"Stealing Vows has everything you want in a con-artist film that goes beyond stealing, stealing, stealing and getting the prize by the end. It is definitely worth checking out." - Alvin Tsang, film613 review

Bobby Singh Brown

The Steak, Kiarash Dadgar, (Toronto, ON) [ Drama | War ]

A birthday ceremony preparation gets upside down as something horrible takes place.

Kiarash Dadgar is an award-winning Iranian film and theatre artist with an MA in Dramatic Literature from Soore Art University. He worked in various Iranian short films, series, and theatre productions. Kiarash first work as a producer, "Jouissance," premiered at the 27th BUSAN International Film Festival. His debut film, "The Steak" (2023), has been screened in +105 Film Festivals, such as the 30th Slamdance and won +30 titles globally, including the AGBO Award from Slamdance 2024.

More info: Trailer | Instagram

"Kiarash Dadgar triumphs with a technically clever and gripping sequence that’s all very precise and effective." - Alvin Tsang, film613 review

Kiarash Dadgar

Treat Day, Lisa Kockeritz (she/her), (Oakville, ON) [ Drama ]

It’s “Treat Day” and Deborah has cash in her pocket and a stocked tuck shop in the lobby of her building. Overwhelmed with options, the cashier steers her towards a candy and cassette tape deal. In awe of being reunited with music from decades ago, Deborah doubts she’ll remember the beloved lyrics. With the concierge’s encouragement, Deborah presses play on the tape player as she leaves for her daily walk in the park. If you’ve ever heard *that* song from when you were young, you’ll recognize Deborah’s joy at being reunited with memories of her youth. She’s virtually transported back in time as she enjoys the sun on her face and the breeze in her hair. The friendly hello of a couple on a park bench. The attention of a friendly dog. The cheekiness of children that charm her candy away. And we are left to wonder, whose “Treat Day” is it?

A scientist by education, Lisa Kockeritz has spent the last year pivoting her career towards film and television to scratch a persistent, nagging, creative itch. As a career-change filmmaker, she enjoys exploring the messiness of aging and mining her own faults and flaws to create relatable characters that strive to thrive in interesting worlds. “Treat Day” is her first short film.

More info: Trailer | Facebook | Instagram

Lisa Kockeritz

Triage, David Rendall (he/him), (Picton, ON) [ Social Realist Drama ]

Emergencies Come In Threes. For Gemma and James, a simple car ride to the vet escalates into a full-blown crisis, exposing hard truths beneath the surface of their relationship. Set in the early days of the pandemic, Triage is a claustrophobic pressure cooker and exploration of who we truly love when our worlds fall apart

Writer / director / editor David Rendall is a Toronto-born artist and filmmaker in Picton, Prince Edward County. He is currently in post-production for a short animated documentary about the holocaust in Romania called 'Today Is A Gift' (funded by the Ontario Arts Council).

More info: Trailer | Instagram

"I found Triage very unsettling and impressive. It’s one of those films you do not want to watch with a date. Please check this one out. I hate that I enjoyed it, but wow, did I enjoy it." - Alvin Tsang, film613 review

Interview with filmmakers David Randall and Amir Zargara about their short films. Triage and A Good Day Will Come. - A Luta Continua on CKCU FM 93.1 - November1, 2024

David Rendall

OCan Film Festival launches 8th Season

Save up to 80% off Submission Fee by submitting your film in January

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 1, 2024

As part of its commitment to promote the growth of independent Canadian films, the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival (OCan) is now accepting film submissions for its 8th annual Film Festival Program, screenings for which will take place in Ottawa in November 2024.

"We are looking for amazing stories in any genre or length from storytellers across Canada, both new and experienced. We're excited to see what you've been working on!” — Jith Paul, OCan Film Fest Co-founder

OCan encourages film submissions from under-represented independent artists, including female and non-binary filmmakers, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Films are accepted exclusively via FilmFreeway and there are generous discounts for early submissions. Check out the FAQ page for additional details.

Each film programmed for the 2024 festival will receive a screening fee and two complementary festival passes.

About OCan:

The Ottawa Canadian Film Festival is a cultural, not-for-profit organization that celebrates Canadian film. Our mission is grounded in the belief that Canadian film and filmmakers are distinctive and vital to our country’s culture and the development of the local economy. This artist-run organization is composed of a volunteer board of directors. OCan is an IMDB qualifying festival, and is listed among qualifying festivals for the Canadian Screen Awards by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.

Contact:

• Email: media@ocanfilmfest.ca
• Instagram: @ocanfilmfest
• Facebook: @ocanfilmfest

Bytowne Cinema Marquee during OCan23

Board Members and Filmmakers promoting OCan on CBC, CTV and Rogers in 2022 and 2023

Jith Paul

Board Member (2015-2024)
Co-founder

Blair Campbell

Board Member
Co-founder

Lorelei E. Miller

Board Member
Treasurer, Event Planner

Zachary Chabot

Jury President (2024)

Daniel Perras

Jury Member (2024)

Fitch Jean

Jury Member (2024)

Nicole Bedford

Jury Member (2024)

Shelby

Festival Mascot

OCan Newsletter

A monthly email digest

We launched the OCan Newletter, an email digest of articles and links related to Canadian film, and news about OCan events and discounts. New issues are published about once a month with special editions promoting OCan events, with discounted tickets and passes for subscribers.

Sign up for the OCan Newsletter

Newsletter Archive

OCan Newsletter Promo

Conversations with Canadian Creatives

A series of interviews hosted by Monique

We launched a collaboration with CKCU's 'A Luta Continua' host Monique this year. Episodes of "Conversations with Canadian Creatives" are available on-demand on OCan's YouTube channel, paired with short write-ups, trailers and additional links on the film613.ca blog. The radio version is broadcast on CKCU FM 93.1 in the Ottawa area on Fridays at 9 am ET. and on-demand is made available on CKCU's audio archive.

Conversations with Canadian Creatives

Jith Paul   

Co-founder, Board Member (2015-2024)

Jith Paul (he/him) is an engineer turned independent filmmaker based in Ottawa. His directorial debut Algebra screened at festivals throughout North America, Asia, and Europe, including the Festival international Entr’2 marches in Cannes, France. He directed A Clean Slate, which was awarded Best International Short Film at the Valle d'Itria Film Festival in Italy, where it premiered.

His production credits also include Polar Bear Love, Moments, and Perfect, all selected to participate in CBC Television’s Short Film Face-off, and the short films Jasmin et macarons, and L’homme de la maison / Before Me, broadcast on television in Canada after their successful international festival runs.

Jith holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Waterloo and is a graduate of the television broadcasting program at Algonquin College. He was nominated for the Premier's Award (Ontario Colleges) in 2013.

Jith ran the Treepot Film Festival, a series of 10 curated screenings at independent cinemas and public parks, from 2011 to 2014. He co-founded the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival in 2015.

When he is not busy fighting crime, he coordinates the efforts of an international team of software developers and service providers as the Team Lead for Digital Development at CPAC, the Cable Public Affairs Channel.

Zachary Chabot  

Jury President (2024)

Zachary Chabot (he/him) is an independent bilingual filmmaker based in Gatineau. The former actor spent 13 years portraying roles for the stage and the screen, earning recognition for his portrayals of Ewart (2017) Linus Van Pelt (2016) and Zach/Zoe (2012). He is a graduate of the Media and Communication Studies program at Brock University where his debut short film, REWIND, was a finalist at the 24-Hour Film Festival. His film Road Trip won the 2020 edition of the festival.

His other director credits include FML (2023), and BYTOWNE (2024).

Zach spends his free time writing and producing short films while enjoying talking about and promoting independent Canadian cinema. He works full‑time as a post‑production coordinator with Prestigo Médias.

Daniel Perras

Jury Member (2024)

Daniel Perras is a seasoned broadcast professional based in Ottawa with a fervent enthusiasm for a wide range of films and television shows. As a proud member of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery, he earned his bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Ottawa.

Fitch Jean

Jury Member (2024)

Fitch Jean is a Canada-based filmmaker of Haitian heritage, renowned for his versatility in the film industry. With a portfolio that spans a range of genres and formats—including short films, documentaries, and web-series—Fitch has proven himself as a creative force. He has produced, directed, and written multiple projects, earning over 15 awards and 80 film festival selections for his short films alone. Fitch's storytelling prowess is complemented by his commitment to elevating underrepresented voices, making him a distinguished figure in contemporary cinema.

Nicole Bedford

Jury Member (2024)

Nicole Bedford is a filmmaker based in Ottawa, ON, unceded Algonquin Territory. Her work is primarily based in documentary and regularly explores themes of identity, power, and resiliency. Since launching into film in 2019, she has created and screened several short documentaries, is an alumnus of three mentorship programs (including with the DOC Institute and the National Film Board of Canada), and has won several grants.

In 2022, she completed her first feature, the smallest steps, about women across generations working to end violence against women in Canada. Currently, she is working on her second feature, Roots & Mesh, about four women from rural Nova Scotia who learn to build community through song.