Industry Exclusive

Creative Forum

Thanks to everyone who attended the 2025 Creative Forum!

The 2025 BMFM Creative Forum was more than a professional gathering, it was a mountain-top catalyst for storytelling, strategy, and connection. Across two packed days, 47 speakers led 14 thought-provoking sessions designed for filmmakers, producers, and content creators navigating the evolving media landscape.

From intimate face-to-face meetings and lunch with decision-makers, to our signature Filmmakers Hike and gondola meetings, the Forum offered rare access to industry leaders in an environment that encouraged bold questions and lasting relationships. Thank you to all who participated and helped turn insight into impact.

2025 Creative FOrum Testimonials

"I am a Montreal based emerging filmmaker and this was my first year attending The Creative Forum at BMFF. Turned out it was an excellent opportunity to forge connections and exposure with established players in the English-Canadian scene. The 15 minute face-to-face sessions were particularly helpful places to make first time interactions. Since the festival I have been in touch with TVO, and Game-Theory (to name a few) - who have expressed interest in projects of mine which are at the development stage. This is opening new doors and helping sustain the life of these projects at a critical stage. With the BMFF being a smaller sized festival and in a relaxed environment (and beautiful natural setting) I noticed that it made people especially approachable and genuinely quite open. There is a feeling of community and a “we’re all in this together” mentality. This reminds me of similar festivals which I have previously attended such as Telluride and Regard (short film festival in Saguenay QC) - which pride themselves on being low-key settings which forge/foster organic connections for filmmakers (and public too). I particularly enjoyed the Pitch Competition and was impressed by both the calibre of pitches and the panel being pitched to. I wouldn’t be surprised if in just a few years, the winner of this year's pitch competition will have a film to show at BMFF... it would certainly be a great full circle moment for the BMFF community!"
- Max Holzberg
"What I love about the Blue Mountain Film Festival is how personal it feels. A festival of this size creates room for real connection with other filmmakers, with audiences, with industry. The Creative Forum in particular sparked some of the more thoughtful, insightful conversations I've had all year."
- Jeff Chan

2025 Schedule

Thursday, May 29th

8:30 am

Breakfast

at Silver Creek

Description

Join the creative team behind Bonjour Tristesse for an intimate conversation about the making of their evocative and visually striking film. From initial inspiration to final cut, the filmmakers will share insights into their creative process, challenges faced during production, and the artistic choices that brought their vision to life. This is a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of a standout film and hear directly from the voices who made it.

Location

Georgian Bay

Speakers

Lindsay Tapscott & Katie Bird Nolan
Babe Nation FilmsProducers

Moderators

Moira Holmes
Film Finances CanadaPresident

Description

As the media landscape shifts at an unprecedented pace, leadership in content creation, distribution, and audience engagement has never been more critical—or more complex. This panel brings together top media executivesto explore how innovation, inclusion, and technology are shaping the future of film, television, and digital media. From emerging platforms and AI to evolving viewer habits and sustainability in storytelling, gain firsthand insight into how these leaders are navigating—and driving—change.

Location

Georgian Bay

Speakers

Sally Catto
CBCGeneral Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports
Jocelyn Hamilton
Lionsgate CanadaPresident – Canada, Television
Virginia Rankin
Blink49 StudiosExecutive Producer - Scripted TV
Mark Montefiore
New Metric MediaFounder, CEO & Executive Producer
Teza Lawrence
Amaze FilmExecutive Producer/Co-owner
Rachel Nelson
Corus EntertainmentVP Original Programming and Head of Corus Studios

Description

Canada’s funding landscape offers a mix of public support, tax credits, and private investment—but knowing how to access and combine these resources is key. This panel brings together producers, funders, and industry experts to explore how filmmakers can successfully finance their projects through organizations like Telefilm Canada, the Canada Media Fund, and provincial programs. Learn what funders are looking for, how to build a sustainable strategy, and where new opportunities are emerging.

Location

Georgian Bay

Speakers

Brendan McNeill
Above The Line Media Services Inc.Executive Producer / Producer
Michael Naphan
Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION)Film Sector Development Lead
Jon Taylor
Independent Production FundCEO

Moderators

Barbara Miller
FaskenPartner

Description

Take your networking to the next level with Lunch with Executives at the Blue Mountain Film and Media Festival. This exclusive opportunity allows you to dine with top industry leaders, decision-makers, and influencers in a relaxed, intimate setting. Enjoy gourmet meals while discussing the future of film, media, and creative collaboration. It’s a chance to gain invaluable insights, pitch your ideas, and form connections that could shape the next chapter of your career. Space is limited, so reserve your seat in advance and make the most of this rare chance to break bread with the people who are shaping the industry.

Location

Silver Creek

Description

Witty, raw, and refreshingly real, Late Bloomer has struck a chord with audiences by redefining what it means to come of age—later in life. In this candid conversation, the creators and key cast members of the hit series discuss the inspiration behind the show, its unique tone, and the journey from concept to screen. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, how they balance comedy with vulnerability, and what it takes to tell authentic, character-driven television that resonates.

Location

Georgian Bay

Speakers

Jasmeet Raina
Late BloomerCreator/Star/Executive Producer
Kelsey-Ann Maria
Bell MediaProduction Executive
Siddharth Sharma
Late BloomerActor

Description

Unlock unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and networking at the Blue Mountain Film and Media Festival’s Face-to-Face Meetings. Whether you’re a filmmaker, producer, writer, or industry professional, these pre-booked one-on-one sessions allow you to connect with like-minded creatives and potential collaborators. Share your projects, exchange ideas, and explore new partnerships in an intimate, inspiring environment. With stunning mountain views as your backdrop, it’s the perfect setting to forge lasting connections and take your work to new heights. Meetings are scheduled in advance to ensure you make the most of your time, so be sure to secure your spot early. Don’t miss the chance to meet industry experts, investors, and peers—make your next big move at the Blue Mountain Film and Media Festival!

Location

Silver Creek

Speakers

Matt Orenstein
VORTEX MediaVice President, Acquisitions and Strategy
Teza Lawrence
Amaze FilmExecutive Producer/Co-owner
Sardé Hardie
Photon FilmsVice President Acquisitions & Sales
Billy Schwartz
Quiver DistributionManager of Content Licensing and U.S. Sales
Aidan Denison
TVODocumentary Programmer/Production Executive
Hilary Hart
Game Theory FilmsCo-President
Moira Holmes
Film Finances CanadaPresident
Brendan McNeill
Above The Line Media Services Inc.Executive Producer / Producer

Description

Post-production is where the magic happens—where raw footage becomes a finished film. This panel dives into the art and craft of editing, visual effects, sound design, and colour grading, revealing how each element shapes story, tone, and emotional impact. Industry pros share their workflows, creative approaches, and the latest tools pushing the boundaries of post. Whether you’re polishing a scene or saving a shot, discover how “fixing it in post” is often where films are truly made.

Location

Georgian Bay

Speakers

Brian Huynh
Playfight VFXManaging Director / VFX Producer
Adam Stein
SoundhouseSupervising Sound Editor / Sound Designer
John Laing
Owner
Wade Odlum
Alter Ego PostColorist

Moderators

Kingsley Fialho
Director Of Sales And Business Development

Description

The Summit View Industry Party at the Blue Mountain Film and Media Festival is a premier networking event that brings together filmmakers, industry professionals, and creatives for an evening of connection and celebration. Set against the stunning backdrop of Blue Mountain, the evening will feature a live pitch competition, where emerging Creatives will have the opportunity to present their projects to a panel of industry experts, with a chance to win valuable support and exposure. It’s an exciting blend of industry insight, creativity, and opportunity!

Location

Summitview Pavillion

Friday, May 30th

8:00 am

Breakfast

at Georgian Bay

Description

Unlock unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and networking at the Blue Mountain Film and Media Festival’s Face-to-Face Meetings. Whether you’re a filmmaker, producer, writer, or industry professional, these pre-booked one-on-one sessions allow you to connect with like-minded creatives and potential collaborators. Share your projects, exchange ideas, and explore new partnerships in an intimate, inspiring environment. With stunning mountain views as your backdrop, it’s the perfect setting to forge lasting connections and take your work to new heights. Meetings are scheduled in advance to ensure you make the most of your time, so be sure to secure your spot early. Don’t miss the chance to meet industry experts, investors, and peers—make your next big move at the Blue Mountain Film and Media Festival!

Location

Silver Creek

Speakers

Sardé Hardie
Photon FilmsVice President Acquisitions & Sales
Billy Schwartz
Quiver DistributionManager of Content Licensing and U.S. Sales
Aidan Denison
TVODocumentary Programmer/Production Executive
Hilary Hart
Game Theory FilmsCo-President
Stephanie Wilson Chapin
YouTubeStrategic Partner Manager, News, Sports & TV
Moira Holmes
Film Finances CanadaPresident

Description

Join acclaimed filmmaker Matthew Rankin for an in-depth conversation about his latest feature, Universal Language (2024), a surreal comedy-drama that reimagines Winnipeg as a city where Persian and French are the dominant languages. Premiering at the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes and selected as Canada’s submission for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, the film has garnered critical acclaim for its inventive storytelling and visual style. Rankin will discuss his creative process, the blending of cultural narratives, and his journey from experimental shorts to internationally recognized features. This session offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the mind of one of Canada’s most innovative cinematic voices.

Location

Georgian Bay

Speakers

Matthew Rankin
Filmmaker

Moderators

Jason Gorber
Director of Film Programming

Description

Daniel Bekerman, founder and president of Scythia Films, is a leading force in Canadian independent cinema. With a portfolio that includes the critically acclaimed The Apprentice (2024), which garnered Oscar®, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations, as well as festival favorites like Endless Cookie, Love Me, and My Old Ass, Bekerman has consistently championed bold, genre-defying storytelling. In this candid conversation, he shares insights into his creative producing approach, the art of international co-productions, and strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of film financing and distribution. Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or an industry veteran, this session offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of Canada’s most innovative producers.

Location

Georgian Bay

Speakers

Daniel Bekerman
Scythia FilmsProducer

Moderators

Jason Gorber
Director of Film Programming

Description

In an increasingly crowded media landscape, getting your film discovered by the right distributor can make all the difference. This panel brings together top distributors and industry professionals to share insights into the process of getting your project in front of the right people. Learn what distributors are looking for, how to make your film stand out in a competitive market, and the key steps to take before approaching potential partners. From understanding distribution rights to navigating digital platforms and film markets, discover the strategies that will help you get your film into the hands of the right distributors and onto the screens of your audience.

Location

Georgian Bay

Speakers

Sardé Hardie
Photon FilmsVice President Acquisitions & Sales
Stephanie Wilson Chapin
YouTubeStrategic Partner Manager, News, Sports & TV
Hilary Hart
Game Theory FilmsCo-President

Moderators

Matt Orenstein
VORTEX MediaVice President, Acquisitions and Strategy

Description

Take your networking to the next level with Lunch with Executives at the Blue Mountain Film and Media Festival. This exclusive opportunity allows you to dine with top industry leaders, decision-makers, and influencers in a relaxed, intimate setting. Enjoy gourmet meals while discussing the future of film, media, and creative collaboration. It’s a chance to gain invaluable insights, pitch your ideas, and form connections that could shape the next chapter of your career. Space is limited, so reserve your seat in advance and make the most of this rare chance to break bread with the people who are shaping the industry.

Location

Silver Creek

Description

The traditional gatekeepers are no longer the only way to get your project made—and seen. From FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels and YouTube to brand partnerships and creator-led platforms, filmmakers and content creators are tapping into innovative funding models and self-distribution strategies. This panel explores how to build sustainable careers outside the conventional system, featuring creators and industry pros who are successfully navigating this new frontier

Location

Georgian Bay

Speakers

Steve Hulford
UnderknownCo-Founder and CEO
Emily Diana Ruth
Answer in Progress“A Tale of Two Curries” Producer
Nina Pikula
The Sorry GirlsHead of Production & Operations

Moderators

Danielle Harvey
P1M AgencyHead of Talent Division

Description

Step into the world of Racewalkers, a sports comedy that brings heart and humor to the underdog story of racewalking. Join the cast and crew for an in-depth conversation about the making of this unique film. Discover how they transformed an unconventional sport into a compelling narrative, the challenges of blending comedy with athleticism, and the collaborative process that brought this story to life. Whether you’re a fan of sports films or indie comedies, this session offers an exclusive look at the creative journey behind Racewalkers.​

Location

Georgian Bay

Speakers

Phil Moniz
RacewalkersDirector / Actor
Kevin Claydon
RacewalkersDirector / Actor
Robbie Amell
RacewalkersActor
Jeff Chan
RacewalkersProducer

Moderators

Jason Gorber
Director of Film Programming

Description

Short films often serve as the launching pad for emerging filmmakers, offering a unique space for creative exploration and storytelling innovation. In this panel, industry experts and successful short filmmakers come together to discuss the significant value of short films in both artistic and commercial contexts. From festival circuits to digital platforms, short films present unique opportunities for exposure, networking, and even career advancement. Learn how to leverage these opportunities, whether you’re looking to gain industry attention, hone your craft, or use shorts as a stepping stone to feature-length projects.

Location

Georgian Bay

Speakers

Tamara Podemski
Zach Ramelan
Filmmaker

Moderators

Jessie Behan
Aux ModePresident/COO

Saturday, May 31st

Description

This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow filmmakers, exchange ideas, and draw inspiration from both the landscape and the experiences of seasoned professionals.

Location

Meet at Events Plaza Info Hut

Speakers

Daniel Bekerman
Scythia FilmsProducer

Description

Discover the voices shaping the future of film. This hand-curated showcase highlights creators and the bold, original stories they’re telling today. Be among the first to see the next generation of filmmakers in action. Brought to you by Buffer Festival. This year Sabrina Cruz and Melissa Fernandes from Answer in Progress to showcase why nobody knows what curry is, funded by the Canadian Media Fund.

Location

Petun Theatre, Village Conference Centre