Dear Film Family❤️

Can we take a moment to appreciate how far we've come together? As I sit here writing this (with my usual cup of tea in hand!), I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for our incredible film community.

You know, when I first came to Canada as an immigrant with big dreams, I couldn't imagine the amazing journey ahead. And look at us now - we're not just making films, we're building bridges and creating connections that matter! 🌟

2024 has been truly transformative. We launched ConneKt Film with a mission to make the film industry more accessible and connected, and wow, what a ride it's been! Our funding workshop with the brilliant Emilija Davidovic opened so many eyes to the possibilities of film funding (those grant application tips were gold, weren't they?). Seeing all of you connect, share resources, and support each other in our community has been the highlight of my year. Thank you for sharing how useful the newsletter has been to you as well! We are so happy!

And speaking of highlights - what a year it's been for our film industry! 

Big Moves & Even Bigger Dreams 🎥

• Amazon MGM Studios chose Toronto as their home (And yes, it's as exciting as it sounds - 160,000 square feet of creative possibilities!)

• Netflix doubled down on their love for Canadian talent

Making Waves Internationally 🌎 (This makes my heart so proud!)

• Our very own Matthew Rankin's "Universal Language" made it to the Oscars shortlist

• Some incredible Canadians received Order of Canada appointments

• We're showing up strong at Berlinale (Berlin, here we come!)

Game-Changing Partnerships 🤝

• Bell Media and Lionsgate teamed up with Point Grey Pictures (Yes, that's Seth Rogen's and Evan Goldberg’s company!)

• CBC's Catherine Tait shared some real talk about our industry's future

The Policy Stuff (Trust me, it's exciting!) 📋

• Streaming platforms are now investing back in our stories (5% of revenues - that's huge for our community!)

Local Love 💝

• Northern Ontario got a $3.2M boost for Sudbury productions

• The Ontario Film Commission created an amazing guide for producers (Bookmark this one!)

But 2025? Oh, it's going to be even more exciting! We're cooking up some amazing initiatives at ConneKt Film - more workshops, mentorship programs, networking events, and (I can barely contain my excitement about this) our very first film competition! We're creating more opportunities for emerging and mid-career filmmakers to shine and for experienced pros to share their wisdom.

You know what makes me most excited about 2025? It's seeing how our community is growing stronger every day. It's YOU - whether you're the filmmaker who nervously attended their first workshop this year, or the industry veteran who's been generously sharing their knowledge with others.

My heartfelt wishes for you: 

• May you find the courage to pitch that wild idea you've been keeping in your notes app 

• May you connect with that one person who gets your vision completely 

• May you finally make that short film you've been dreaming about 

• And most importantly - may you remember that you belong here, in this community

When those tough days come (and trust me, as a fellow filmmaker, I know they will), remember that ConneKt Film is here for you. That's literally why I started this community - because I know how it feels to need someone in your corner.

With so much love and excitement for what’s ahead,
Anya (your fellow filmmaker and biggest cheerleader!)

P.S. I'd love to hear about your dreams for 2025 - seriously! Drop into my DMs and let's chat about what you're cooking up. And hey, if you have ideas for workshops or initiatives you'd like to see from ConneKt Film, I'm all ears! 🎬

Stay Connected: 📱 Instagram: @connekt_film 🌐 Website: connektfilm.com 📧 Email: [email protected]

#CanadianFilm #FilmTO #FilmCommunity #HappyNewYear2025 #TorontoFilm #ConnektFilm