TORONTO, September 5, 2023 — The Canadian Media Producers Association today announced the 40 mentees selected for participation in its 2023/2024 CMPA mentorship programs.

Selected mentees will participate in 20- or 40-week placements, and will be paired with established producers at CMPA member companies. Mentees will receive on-the-job training in all aspects of producing from financing and distribution to development and post-production.

This year’s mentees represent a diverse range of backgrounds, perspectives, and creative disciplines, reflecting the rich tapestry of Canada’s production industry.

“These bright emerging producers were selected from a competitive pool of applicants, showcasing their exceptional talent, dedication, and potential,” said Liz Shorten, Chief Operating Officer, CMPA. “Mentorship is a catalyst for growth and success, and we look forward to following these mentees on their journeys towards becoming future leaders in this industry.”

Below is the full list of participants in the CMPA’s 2023/2024 mentorship programs:

Bob Crowe Mentorship Program for Emerging Indigenous Producers

• Sera-Lys McArthur with White Bear Films

CMPA Mentorship Program for Diverse Producers

• Chantele Sitaram with marblemedia
• Christopher Collington with OYA Media Group
• Gurjit Briyah with Naltobel Productions
• Jade Blair with Parrhesia
• Japneet Kaur with Jugaad Sisters
• Krizia Victoria with 100 Dragons Media
• Lesley Marshall with Animal Pride Productions
• Rachael Ransom with Black Rhino Creative
• Sydney Gauthier with Kistikan Pictures
• Wesam Debek with Border2Border Entertainment

CMPA Production Mentorship Program

• Abdurahman Uyghur Ozturk with Jenkinson/Goode Productions
• Akilah Newton with Verite Films
• Chala Hunter with Wango Films
• Derek Sands with Wanderer Entertainment
• Derek Sharp with Edge Entertainment
• Fritzi Adelman with Buffalo Gal Pictures
• Kenny Welsh with RealWorld Media
• Ladan Siad with New Metric Media
• Luc Trottier with Club Red Productions
• Megan Robinson with Eagle Vision
• Nada Cheddadi with Intuitive Pictures
• Pete McCauley with Gearshift Films
• Shantae Gibson with Rezolution Pictures International
• Shayna Ross-Kelly with Film Forge Productions
• Steven Suntres with Hemmings Films
• Temilola Gafaar with Hungry Eyes Media
• Travis Williams with GAPC Entertainment
• Victoria Sullivan with LoCo Motion Pictures
• Violet Elliot with Hitsby Entertainment

CMPA British Columbia Production Mentorship Program

• Brooklyn James with Cube Productions
• Cicy Nie with Screen Siren Pictures
• Cole Vandale with Mosaic Entertainment Inc.
• Cortney Gilbert with Wild Bus Films
• Sonja Osberg with Canazwest Pictures
• Lynnette Kissoon with Optic Nerve Films
• Will Hughes with Infinity Filmed Entertainment Group

Export Development Mentorship Program (funded by Telefilm Canada)

• Caroline Kan-Hai with 4AM Film Studios
• Karidia Guerra with Quiet Revolution Pictures
• Nico Ansari with Forte Entertainment

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ABOUT THE CMPA
The Canadian Media Producers Association is the national advocacy organization for independent producers, representing hundreds of companies engaged in the development, production, and distribution of English-language content made for television, cinema, and digital media channels. For 75 years, the CMPA has worked to promote the continued success of the Canadian production sector and to ensure a bright future for the diverse content made by our members for both domestic and international audiences. cmpa.ca

For more information::

Gamiela Fereg
Senior Manager, Media Relations & Communications, CMPA
gamiela.fereg@cmpa.ca