Curtis Pilon-Vinish (he/him) is the founder and CEO of the Indigenous Futures Film Academy (IFFA), a non-profit dedicated to creating pathways in film education and training for Indigenous artists. He is currently producing Native Tongue, a docuseries exploring the revitalization of Indigenous languages and their role in shaping identity, culture, and community. As a performer, Curtis has appeared in Disney and 20th Century Studios’ Prey (2022) and voiced a character in the animated 2024 Inspire Awards (CBC/APTN). Through both creative and educational leadership, Curtis is helping to shape a more inclusive and representative future in entertainment.

Jenny Lee (she/her) is a professional TV writer and emerging director born in Seoul, South Korea and based in Toronto. She is preparing to helm her next short film, The Piano, a Finalist project at the 2024 Reel Asian International Film Festival’s annual pitch competition. Currently a co-producer and writer on Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), and with 8 years of TV/film industry experience, Jenny is now looking to expand into directing. TIFF 2025 is an essential opportunity to connect with new like-minded collaborators, learn about international co-productions, and immerse in global cinema.

Sarah Goodman (she/her) is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker returning to the industry after a medical hiatus with a bold new slate! Her current project, The Narrow Place, is a hybrid doc/drama– supported by development grants, the film marks a creative departure from her acclaimed observational documentaries (Army of One, When We Were Boys) by incorporating dramatization and animation. Sarah is also developing several original TV series, including The Last Resort (spy thriller, with co-writer Nicolas Billon), What Doesn’t Kill You (medical procedural), and Bora and the Big World (animated kids series, part of AccessCBC, with producer John Hazlett). Previously, Sarah has staffed on TV series such as The Hardy Boys and The Detail. TIFF presents a timely opportunity for her to reconnect with peers, explore innovative storytelling, and build new creative partnerships.

As a writer, director, editor, and producer, Sarah Jones (she/they) creates award-winning documentary and experimental art films that use contemporary dance to explore connection and belonging. Her recent work, ‘Own Kind of Beautiful’, supported by Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council, centres disabled and queer identities through the story of Toronto artist and activist Frank Hull. A past participant in the DOC Institute’s Breakthrough Lab and a member of DOC, Sarah is currently developing her first scripted, sci-fi feature highlighting disabled and queer characters.

Weird Alice (they/he/she) is a film programmer and event producer dedicated to making film screenings more accessible for theatrical audiences. Their work focuses on integrating accessibility from script to screen and facilitating inclusive practices throughout production, distribution, and exhibition. Passionate about industry-wide change, they aim to foster connections that prioritize accessibility at every stage rather than treating it as an afterthought. Through their projects and advocacy, Weird Alice seeks to create equitable viewing experiences while continuing to grow their career in alignment with these values.