Left to right: Adriana Crivici, Ashli Agate, Chelsea Nyomi, David F Mewa, Della Haddock, Dieu donné Racine, Emily Geoffroy, Epenge Kabasele, Félicia Couturier, Ife Alaba-Gwasira, Iriny Shenoda, Jesse Stanley, Kianah Lecuyer, Kristen Lambie, Luke Gleeson, Maria Rodriguez de la Garza, Mariam Barry, Mick (Micaela) Robertson, Momo Daud, Noémie Ferron, Nyambura M. Waruingi, Rebecca Rogers, Rebekah Wolfe, Renata Calderón, Riley Totten, Roble Issa, Rose Gutierrez, Tasheal Gill, Taylor Gallant, Torrin Blades, Venessa Harris, Warda (Rose) Youssouf

TORONTO, September 2, 2026 — The CMPA today announced 32 mentees selected for participation in its 2026/27 slate of mentorship programs.

This year’s slate welcomes the CMPA Don Carmody International Co-Production Mentorship Program, a new initiative supported by a $100,000 commitment from legendary film and television producer Don Carmody. The new program will fund one producer annually over the next 10 years in a paid mentorship placement focused on international co-production.

“In this transformative time in Canada’s media production industry, ensuring that emerging producers have the practical tools and industry relationships they need to thrive is critical for the future of our sector,” said Liz Shorten, Chief Operating Officer, CMPA. “This year’s mentees bring real talent and drive to the program, and it’s paired with the tireless commitment of member host companies and industry partners who continue to invest in the next generation of Canadian producing talent.”

Over the past 31 years, the CMPA Mentorship Program has helped launch the careers of more than 2,000 producers. The initiative pairs emerging creators with established leaders across the country, providing comprehensive experience across development, financing, production, and distribution. As new technologies, platforms, and global opportunities continue to reshape the Canadian production landscape, the program has evolved right alongside it, meeting the industry’s changing needs.

Below is the full list of individuals selected for participation in the CMPA’s 2026/27 slate of mentorship programs:

Bob Crowe Mentorship Program for Emerging Indigenous Producers

• Luke Gleeson with Leq’á:mel Development Corporation

BSO-CMPA Black Producer Accelerator Program (administered in partnership with the Black Screen Office, with support from the Canada Media Fund and the Inspirit Foundation)

• Warda (Rose) Youssouf with Alibi Entertainment
• Venessa Harris with Conquering Lion Pictures
• Kristen Lambie with Counterfeit Pictures
• Mariam Barry with Dada Ibis Media
• Roble Issa with Gobez Media
• Ashli Agate with Hungry Eyes Media
• Epenge Kabasele with Inaru Films
• Chelsea Nyomi with Inner City Films
• Della Haddock with MCM2 Productions
• Kianah Lecuyer with Neshama Entertainment
• Dieu donné Racine with Rezolution Pictures International
• Noémie Ferron with Simba Creative
• David F Mewa with SkyWild Pictures
• Torrin Blades with Smallaxx Motion Pictures

CMPA BC Production Mentorship Program

• Rebekah Wolfe with 3 Story Pictures
• Emily Geoffroy with Locomotive Média
• Félicia Couturier with Reign Films
• Renata Calderón with Screen Siren Pictures
• Jesse Stanley with Studio BRB Productions

CMPA Mentorship Program for Diverse Producers

• Rose Gutierrez with Coyle Digital
• Momo Daud with Markhor Pictures
• Iriny Shenoda with Merit Motion Pictures
• Tasheal Gill with Viva Mantra Films

CMPA Production Mentorship Program

• Taylor Gallant with Club Red Productions
• Rebecca Rogers with Edge Entertainment
• Adriana Crivici with Spaceman Films
• Riley Totten with Tell Tale Productions

Don Carmody International Co-Production Mentorship Program (supported by Don Carmody)

• Mick (Micaela) Robertson with JA Productions

Export Development Mentorship Program (supported by Telefilm Canada)

• Maria Rodriguez de la Garza with Fathom Film Group
• Nyambura M. Waruingi with Intuitive Pictures

PictureNL Producer Mentorship Program (supported by PictureNL)

• Ife Alaba-Gwasira with Pope Productions

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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 more than 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