Supported by Hollywood Suite
Winter 2025 | Impact & Influence
This season’s collection of impactful and influential works was curated by the next generation of leaders in the Executive Residency Program. Featuring Canadian classics and personal stories, these titles highlight how upcoming decision-makers plan to leave their mark in the industry. Our supporter Hollywood Suite rounds out this collection with their picks of influential Canadian films.
Content Warning:
Some of the projects included in this collection deal with topics that may be distressing. Viewer discretion is advised – please check ratings and warnings on individual selections before engaging.
Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story
Director: Alison Duke
Associate Producer: Elise Whittington
Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story mixes dynamic tour performances, insightful interviews with industry figures like Janelle Monae, Young Guru, and Pete Rock, along with archival footage of the early dancehall scene, to create a comprehensive portrait of Sister Nancy’s enduring prominence in reggae and hip hop.
“As a woman in film & TV, seeing Alison Duke’s (Director) extraordinary vision for the film in action was a true privilege.”
– Elise Whittington (she/her) | Participant | Toronto, ON
*Also available in select theatres
Bhad Like That/We’re In Love
Director: Noorez “Nunu” Rhemtulla
Producer: Ravelle Thomas
Bhad Like That / We’re in Love is a vibrant, feel-good music video for Juno-nominated artist Solitair, produced for Vibe 105 FM. The video is a cinematic celebration of Black love, culture, and community, capturing the joy, energy, and chaos of a wedding day. From heartfelt vows to spontaneous dance-offs, it highlights the small moments that make love stories unforgettable. Full of humour, romance, and authentic chemistry, it’s a visual love letter to Black weddings – celebrating the traditions, the jokes, and the beautifully messy reality of love and celebration.
“This project was a joy to work on because it’s a rare, unapologetic celebration of Black love and happiness. Too often, the media portrays struggle and hardship, but this video is full of joy, laughter, and genuine connection – exactly the kind of representation we need more of. From funny family dynamics to lively reception vibes, it feels like a real wedding day – drama, dancing, and all!
– Ravelle Thomas (she/her) | Participant | Toronto, ON
Camilo’s Trail
Director: Diego Briceño
In 1965, Colombian priest Camilo Torres joins the leftist guerrilla ELN, dying months later. 50 years on, filmmaker Diego Briceño uncovers Torres’ story through a rare interview, exploring his radical legacy amid Colombia’s peace talks.
“This project, which took eight years to complete, was challenging to research, produce, and distribute. Its enduring impact is reflected in its continued screening at universities, churches, and community centres across Latin America, sparking crucial conversations about history, revolution, and the role of the church.”
– Diego Briceño (he/him) | Participant | Montreal, QC
Doubles
Director: Ian Harnarine
Production Manager: Ravelle Thomas
A heartfelt coming-of-age story about a young Trinidadian man who must travel to Toronto and decide if he will save his estranged father’s life. The film authentically explores themes of family, identity, and cultural belonging. A talented cast of actual Trinidadian actors makes Doubles a tribute to the immigrant experience and the ties that bind family and culture.
“This project was especially meaningful to me. It’s rare to work on a film that fully embraces Caribbean culture, and we were intentional about casting Trinidadian actors to ensure authenticity. It’s a heartwarming film that will resonate with many families, people from different walks of life who’ve moved to another country, and it’s definitely one for the culture. Definitely a film to watch.”
– Ravelle Thomas
The Grey Fox
Director: Phillip Borsos
Telling the true story of stagecoach robber Bill Miner, this western drama stole countless hearts upon release, receiving seven Genie Awards, one Golden Globe nomination (for star Richard Farnsworth), and glowing reviews from critics around the world. What makes it even more special is it was Phillip Borsos’ feature debut, thus laying the track for a new generation of filmmakers to chase uniquely Canadian stories.
*Selected by Hollywood Suite
Prom Night
Director: Paul Lynch
While not as politically engaged or critically beloved as Black Christmas, the original Prom Night deserves extra credit for becoming a sleeper hit and kickstarting a fascinating (and wholly homegrown) slasher franchise. It became the highest grossing Canadian horror flick of 1980 and set the stage for countless Canuck cult classics to come including My Bloody Valentine, Stage Fright, and In a Violent Nature.
*Selected by Hollywood Suite.
Schitt’s Creek
Creators: Eugene Levy & Daniel Levy
When the filthy-rich Roses suddenly find themselves broke they’re forced to rebuild their empire within their only remaining asset – Schitt’s Creek, an arm pit of a town they once bought as a joke.
“Exceptional writing – sharp and witty, but also heartfelt. Superb cast giving life to characters you’d actually want to befriend. A binge-worthy ‘fish out of water’ award-winning series. I’m certain most of us have seen this show, but if you have not, I would definitely recommend. All six seasons.”
– Carmen Forsberg (she/her) | Participant | Richmond, British Columbia
The Trotsky
Director: Jacob Tierney
Assistant Production Coordinator: Kathy-Ann Thomas
A Montreal high school student who believes he is the reincarnation of Lev Trotsky starts a revolution against apathy among his fellow students.
“Kevin Tierney was an impressive Montreal producer who boldly showcased the city in English-language films. His work reflected Montreal’s unique identity, inspiring me to embrace local storytelling with the same confidence and authenticity.”
– Kathy-Ann Thomas (she/her) | Participant | Montréal, Quebec
True Story: Part One
Director: Dinae Robinson
True Story is a 2-part feature documentary series that sheds light on the history of the relationship between Indigenous and settler people as told by Indigenous voices from their point of view relying on oral history. This historical journey is heartbreaking, astonishing and shameful, but it is also uplifting, inspiring and full of laughter and light.
“True Story Part One premiered on the History channel on September 30, 2022; a day that marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. As an Indigenous filmmaker True Story Part One & Two are dream projects, and are the type of films I have always dreamed of writing and directing.”
– Dinae Robinson (she/her) | Participant | Winnipeg, Manitoba
True Story: Part Two
Director: Dinae Robinson
True Story Part Two picks up where we left off; the creation of The Indian Act of 1876 which, along with many other assimilationist and controlling policies prohibited Indigenous people from gathering, dancing, practicing our culture, and speaking our language, and was one of the first steps toward genocide. How does this still impact Indigenous people today?
“True Story Part One & Two are monumental, as North American history is told from a settler’s perspective, True Story takes our stories and histories back and is told by a diverse group of Indigenous knowledge keepers, scholars, and experts from all across what is now Canada.”
– Dinae Robinson (she/her) | Participant | Winnipeg, Manitoba
