Narrative Feature
PRESIDENT: Anik Matern, Professional Actor & Acting Coach
Anik has been a seasoned actor, trainer and a sought after Acting Coach for actors of all ages and backgrounds for over 35 years.
Recently seen in the Feature, Blood Quantum and series, The Truth About The Harry Québert Affair for MGM Entertainment, Series Regular roles in Space Cases (Nickelodeon TV) & Back to Sherwood (BBC & YTV). Her on stage performances include The Underdogs (Just For Laughs) & ‘Belles Soeurs the Musical’ directed by Réné-Richard Cyr. She has performed hundreds of animation characters, Young Robin-Hood (Hanna Barbera), Madeline (Sony Records), WINX CLUB and Tripping the Rift and in 2018, she directed her first animation dubbing project, Anaphylaxis for the CHUM.
The Founder of ImproGym (2016), a training Gym for professional actors in downtown Montreal, covering meditation, improvisation, scene and on camera work.
Anik has facilitated two workshops via ACTRA for over 200 of their members. She has written, directed and produced over 15 Original Works Showcases, six at the Centaur Theatre.
Former Founder and Artistic Director of Dynamic Theater Factory (1998-2011) Anik was presented in 2010 with a, ‘Community Builder Award’ from ACTRA Montreal, in recognition of D.T.F’s outstanding contribution to the acting industry.
Gavin Seal, Director & Writer
Gavin Seal’s award-winning work has been screened internationally at festivals such as the Fantasia International Film Festival, Reelworld Festival, Just for Laughs and the Montreal International Black Film Festival. His films have been licensed by CBC, and Gavin recently won the Writers Guild of Canada prize at SODEC’s Concours Cours écrire ton court. He is currently developing multiple projects including his first feature film with Loaded Pictures.
John Nyce, CEO of NyCE Image Productions | Studio4Sets
John is a producer, director and cinematographer living in Ottawa, Ontario. He specializes in video production, film, multimedia photography and commercials and has earned a reputation for his expertise in filmmaking. His recent projects include working with local filmmakers on documentaries, TV Series, and Feature films. John’s production company mandate is to focus on diversifying the industry by offering a new perspective in cultural representation. The goal is to show that everyone deserves to see relevant stories in film and TV that reflect their unique perspectives in Canada and beyond.
Documentary Feature
PRESIDENT: Jacinthe Brisebois, Director of Programming FIFA
Ana Alice de Morais, Programmer, Montreal International Documentary Festival
Josa Maule, Founder MSOPA, Casting Director, Acting Coach
MSOPA is celebrating 30 years of serving its students and the local entertainment industry. Over three decades we have built and fostered a sense of community. We encourage people to find their voice within a safe and nurturing space where they can explore and realize their potential. MSOPA provides professional consultation and casting services to suit any production’s budget. Josa continues to help, mentor and inspire Montreal’s emerging artists of all ages. She has remained an instrumental part of Montreal’s growing film industry. Josa has moderated master classes and juried for numerous Montreal film festivals, galas, talent shows, and pageants.
Short and Mid-Length Films
PRESIDENT: Deidre J, Screenwriter & Director
Deidre J. is a Screenwriter & Director of NyCE Image Film in Ottawa. She is the writer of 3 award winning short films and was featured at the RAW Artists Showcase in Ottawa where she premiered her drama/ romance short titled “No Regrets”. She is currently working on her first black tv series, which will showcase some of Ottawa’s most talented actors! Deidre has always been driven and motivated to create films that will engage or have an impact on people. She also hopes to keep pushing to see more diversity
Marwa Laquerre-Tantawy, Development Producer, Sphere Media
Marwa Laquerre-Tantawy pursued her postsecondary studies in film and screenwriting. Her master’s thesis addressed ethnocultural representation in contemporary film in Quebec. Following her studies, she worked in the casting department at Les Films Séville and joined the micro_scope team, adding film production to her skill set. She has been a script consultant since 2015, supporting numerous screenwriters in long and short films.
Marwa was born to a mother from Quebec and a father from Egypt. She has a particular interest in ethnocultural identity and stereotypes perpetuated in cultural works, a topic that is particularly close to her heart. She is currently chief content manager of productions at Sphere Media.
Sandra Mathieu, Screenwriter/Director
Sandra Mathieu has been screenwriting and producing numerous short fiction films, documentaries, and web series since graduating in television production and film screenwriting. Her films have been presented and have earned awards at many festivals in Quebec, across Canada, and around the world. In 2019, Sandra obtained a Netflix scholarship to further her academic pursuits in screenwriting at INIS. She is currently working on a number of projects, including a feature documentary and a web series project. In all cases, her hope is to tell stories with a new perspective on current affairs.