THE NORMAN JEWISON FILM PROGRAM

This essential program is known industry-wide as a vital incubator for bold new voices and original content and for launching some of Canada’s most prolific and celebrated creators.

The Norman Jewison Film Program, generously funded by Lead Supporters, Netflix, RBC Emerging Artists through the RBC Foundation, and Telefilm Canada offers four distinct labs for directors, producers, writers and editors, each tailored to the specific needs of creators each year.

In 2022, we welcomed 19 talented storytellers from across Canada to the program. Throughout the program, they advanced their narrative storytelling skills, grew their body of work, built their creative community, and expanded their career opportunities through a series of workshops, case studies, industry sessions, cross-program collaborations, and one-on-one mentoring.

The residents met, learned from and worked with 143 industry professionals, including: Roslyn Kaloo (Women Talking), Clement Virgo (Brother), Roger Frappier (The Power Of The Dog) and Anand Ramaya (Funny Boy, Donkey Head).

“During a time where it felt like my storytelling journey was at a standstill, I am deeply grateful for the support and care I received in the [Norman Jewison] film program, helping me nurture fertile ground from which to grow anew. My experiences as a resident in the Directors’ Lab provided me with the chance to pause intentionally, gifting me deeply needed space and time for exploration, re-imagination, and creative incubation, all critical for us as artists.”

- V.T. Nayani, 2021 Directors’ Lab Alumna and writer-director, This Place (TIFF ‘22)