All panels, spotlights, and one-on-one meetings at the Charlottetown Film Forum will take place at The Guild, located at 111 Queen St.
Industry and all-access passes are available for purchase now!
Thursday October 17th
9:00 | Event | OPENING NIGHT PARTY
The Charlottetown Fire Hall - 89 Kent St
Start the 10th annual Charlottetown Film Festival in style with the Opening Night Party at 9 PM following the screening of the opening night film Matt and Mara. Join us for an exclusive evening of mingling, drinks, and conversation with filmmakers, industry professionals, and special guests as we kick off an exciting weekend of screenings and events.
Friday October 18th
10:00-11:00 | Friday 1-1 Meetings
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to introduce yourself and your projects to industry professionals. Whether you're looking for feedback on your ideas or seeking guidance on next steps, these one-on-one meetings provide a valuable chance to connect with experts in broadcasting, funding, production, and distribution. It’s an ideal setting for gaining insights and advice to help move your projects forward.
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Featuring representatives from CBC, Free Publicity, AlphaPR, New Metric Media, InnovationPEI and Telefilm Canada
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10:30-11:00 | Spotlight Session | Innovation PEI
Join Meaghan Brander, the Film Industry Growth Specialist with the Cultural Development Team at Innovation PEI and learn about PEI’s production incentives and film-friendly resources including the PEI Film Production Fund. Discover funding opportunities available for both local and out-of-province production as well as co-production incentives.
11:00- 12:00 | Panel | Unmixed & Unmastered: Music Supervision & Composing for the Screen
Explore the intricate art of music supervision, placements, and composing with local industry experts KINLEY and Aaron Comeau. This panel will dive into how carefully selected music can elevate a scene, create emotional depth, and define the overall tone of your project. Discover the creative process behind crafting unforgettable soundscapes that resonate with audiences, and learn why investing in high-quality music is an essential part of compelling storytelling.
Moderated by Whitney Rose.
12:00-12:30 | Spotlight Session | CBC
Join Nic Meloney, Executive in Charge of Production with CBC Unscripted as he offers an inside look at the broadcaster’s current unscripted slate, key mandates, and tips on how to pitch your project. This session is an opportunity to learn how to work with the CBC and bring your stories to Canadian screens.
12:30- 1:30 | Panel | Beyond the Algorithm! The Fundamentals of Marketing & PR
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Publicity and PR professionals Gabrielle Free (Free Publicity) and Amy Saunders (AlphaPR) delve into the essential strategies for building an audience and ensuring your project gets noticed in today’s increasingly digital landscape. This session will cover how to effectively harness the power of social media, engage with audiences, and leverage online platforms to create buzz. From crafting the perfect PR campaign to navigating the complex world of film marketing, Gab and Amy share their expert advice on how to maximize visibility and expand your reach. Whether you're launching a short, feature, or TV series, this session is a must for filmmakers looking to leave a lasting impression.
Moderated by Teri Hart.​
1:30- 2:30 | Panel | Finding the Story: The Development Stage
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Securing development funds is one of the most crucial steps in getting your project off the ground, and this panel brings together seasoned industry experts to guide you through the process. Bill Lundy (New Metric Media), Christian Kelley (Counterfeit Pictures) and Jason Levangie (Shut Up & Color Pictures) share their insights on what funders & broadcasters are looking for, how to craft a pitch that stands out, and the key elements of a successful development strategy. Learn how to build relationships with investors, prepare the necessary materials, and navigate the challenges of early-stage financing.
Moderated by Katelyn McCulloch.
2:30- 3:30 | Event | Pitch-o-Rama
Presented by the Director's Guild of Canada
Get your projects in front of industry experts in this high-energy pitch event. Join industry veteran Charlotte Engel and other film & tv executives as they offer feedback and advice to filmmakers looking to take their concepts to the next level. There are no bad ideas in Pitch-O-Rama, the most fun improv pitch game ever! Dare to spin the wheel and demonstrate your improv talents to an esteemed panel of film and television executives. Their comments and advice will throw you for a loop. Show them how you can pivot and be nimble. But mostly, we'll all have a laugh and creative time. This is a must-attend event for creators seeking to refine their pitches and make valuable industry connections.
5:00 | Event | Networking Happy Hour
Presented by CBC Atlantic
Marc's Lounge - 125 Sydney St
Presented by Innovation PEI, join us for a Networking Happy Hour from 5–7 PM at Marc's Lounge. Whether you’re sharing ideas or just enjoying the company, this relaxed setting is the perfect opportunity to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.
9:00 | Event | EAST COAST KITCHEN PARTY (in a Bar!)
Presented by Murphy Hospitality Group
The Gahan House - 126 Sydney St
Presented by Murphy Hospitality Group, join us at the Gahan House after the screening of Drive Back Home to celebrate in true East Coast style. Enjoy good music, great beer, and the warm, lively atmosphere P.E.I. is known for!
Saturday October 19th
Presented by Canadian Content Studios
9:00-10:00 | Saturday 1-1 Meetings
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to introduce yourself and your projects to industry professionals. Whether you're looking for feedback on your ideas or seeking guidance on next steps, these one-on-one meetings provide a valuable chance to connect with experts in broadcasting, funding, production, and distribution.
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Featuring representatives from Picture NL, Travelling Distribution, Free Publicity, New Metric Media, Counterfeit Pictures, Shut up and Colour Pictures, Screen NS, Game Theory Films, CBC, Vortex Media, InnovationPEI & Telefilm Canada
9:30-10:00 | Spotlight Session | PictureNL
Join Laura Churchill, CEO of PictureNL, for an in-depth look at Newfoundland and Labrador’s thriving film industry. Discover how the province supports filmmakers and the opportunities available for both local and out-of-province productions.
10:00-11:00 | Panel | Finding Your Audience: The Distribution Stage
Join distribution leaders Sarah Timlick (Elevation Pictures), Hilary Hart (Game Theory Films), Matt Orenstein (Vortex Media), and Tam Dan Vu (Travelling Distribution) as they discuss the evolving world of film distribution. Explore how to successfully distribute both feature films and shorts in today’s competitive market, with a focus on Atlantic Canadian opportunities.
Moderated by Teri Hart.
11:00-12:00 | Panel | Scaling Up and Down: a Discussion on Shorts and Features
Presented by FilmPEI
Filmmakers Charles Wahl, Jeremy Larter, and Heather Young share their experiences navigating both short and feature filmmaking. This insightful panel explores the unique creative and practical challenges of moving between formats, from storytelling adjustments to budget considerations. Learn how each project has influenced their cinematic voices and what they’ve discovered along the way about the art and craft of filmmaking, regardless of the project's length.
Moderated by Melani Wood
12:00-1:00 | Panel | No Laughing Matter: the State of Comedy TV in Canada
Producers and comedy veterans Bill Lundy (New Metric Media), Christian Kelley (Counterfeit Pictures), and Kara Haflidson (New Metric Media) bring their wealth of experience to this lively discussion on creating comedy for Canadian television. They’ll dive into the art of writing for laughs, the challenges of producing hit series, and the strategies for breaking into Canada’s unique comedic landscape.
Moderated by Jonathan Torrens.
1:00-2:00 | Panel | Meet the Producers
Producers Kara Haflidson (Letterkenny, Shoresy), Brian Mason (Drive Back Home), Marc Tetreault (Sharp Corner, Queen of My Dreams), and Jenna MacMillan (Who’s Yer Father?, A Small Fortune) discuss the art of producing in Canada. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of producing content, from development to distribution, and the unique dynamics of Canadian film and television production.
Moderated by Jeremy Larter.
2:00-3:00 | Panel | Character Witnesses: How to Create Memorable Characters
Dive into character creation with Mark Forward (Letterkenny, Mr. D) and Jonathan Torrens (Trailer Park Boys, Shoresy) as they reveal how they bring iconic characters to life on screen. Through behind-the-scenes insights and insider tips, they’ll share their process for developing memorable TV characters that resonate with audiences. Whether you're crafting a comedy or a drama, this session will help you understand what makes a character truly unforgettable.
Moderated by: Kara Haflidson
5:00 | Event | Networking Happy Hour
Presented by Innovation PEI
Marc's Lounge - 125 Sydney St
Presented by Innovation PEI, join us for a Networking Happy Hour from 5–7 PM at Marc's Lounge. Whether you’re sharing ideas or just enjoying the company, this relaxed setting is the perfect opportunity to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.
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9:00 | Event | LET'S GET WEIRD PARTY
Presented by Canadian Content Studios
PonyBoat Social Club - 157 Kent St
Presented by Canadian Content Studios, join us at PonyBoat Social Club for a night of fun, creativity, and a little bit of weirdness! This is the place to let loose and embrace the unexpected, surrounded by filmmakers and festival-goers ready to celebrate in style. Come for the vibes, stay for the surprises—this is one party you won’t want to miss!
Sunday October 20th
9:30-10:30 | Sunday 1-1 Meetings
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to introduce yourself and your projects to industry professionals. Whether you're looking for feedback on your ideas or seeking guidance on next steps, these one-on-one meetings provide a valuable chance to connect with experts in broadcasting, funding, production, and distribution. It’s an ideal setting for gaining insights and advice to help move your projects forward.
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Featuring representatives from Picture NL, Travelling Distribution, Free Publicity, Counterfeit Pictures, Shut up and Colour Pictures, Screen NS, Game Theory Films, CBC, Vortex Media, InnovationPEI & Telefilm Canada
10:30-11:00 | Spotlight Session | Bell FIBE TV 1
Get exclusive insights from Paul Gardner, Senior Producer (Atlantic Region), and Donna Cagnoli, Producer (Atlantic Region), as they provide a deep dive into Bell Fibe TV1’s programs, content mandates, and opportunities. Learn how to pitch projects effectively and collaborate with one of Canada's leading content providers.
11:00-12:00 | Panel | Meet the Funders: The Financing Stage
Presented by Provincial Credit Union
Securing financing is one of the most critical aspects of bringing a film to life. This panel brings together a group of industry experts to share their insights on navigating the complex world of film financing. Lori McCurdy (Telefilm Canada), Meaghan Brander (Innovation PEI), Laura Churchill (PictureNL), and Laura MacKenzie (Screen Nova Scotia) will discuss available funding options, share tips for crafting compelling applications, and offer guidance on how to secure financial backing for your projects.
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Moderator: Marc Tetrault
12:00-12:30 | Spotlight Session | Telefilm
Join Telefilm Canada, Lori McCurdy, Feature Film Executive for the Atlantic Region, and Alison Zimmer, Regional Lead for National Promotion, as they provide an in-depth look at the funding opportunities available through Telefilm. In this spotlight session, you'll gain insights into the programs and resources designed to support Canadian filmmakers, covering everything from development to post-production.
12:30-1:30 | Panel | Touching Grass: in Conversation with Shalan Joudry & Millefiore Clarkes
Presented by Star Power Atlantic
Join award-winning playwright and filmmaker Shalan Joudry (KOQM,Elapultiek) and PEI auteur filmmaker Millefiore Clarkes (Evelyn, Solastalgia) as they discuss how experiencing nature forms their artistic worldview. Asking similar questions with nuanced expressions, each filmmaker will relate their rooted and open approach to exploring your local perspective through filmmaking. Learn how connecting with the land can enhance storytelling and create powerful, grounded narratives.
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Dive into each of their poignant experimental documentary short films playing ChFF this year before the screening of Shorts Program 3: "On the Land" (Sunday Oct. 20, 3:30pm).
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Moderated by Sean Galway Maheux.
1:15-1:45 | Spotlight Session | Screen Nova Scotia
Laura MacKenzie, Executive Director of Screen Nova Scotia, offers a deep dive into the province's film industry. Learn about funding opportunities, production incentives, and the thriving creative community in Nova Scotia. This session is perfect for filmmakers looking to expand their work into this dynamic region.
1:45-2:30 | Case Study | Shut Up & Colour
Producers Jason Levangie and Marc Tetreault of Shut Up & Colour Pictures discuss their experiences producing unique and bold content in Canada. Learn about their production strategies, creative choices, and how they navigate the challenges of the Canadian film industry.
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​​Shut Up & Colour Pictures is a boutique production company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Recent credits include:
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​Sharp Corner (2024, dir. Jason Buxton) - Closing Night Film
The Queen of My Dreams (2023, dir. Fawzia Mirza)
Night Blooms (2022, dir. Stephanie Joline)
Kids vs. Aliens (2022, dir. Jason Eisener)
9:00 | Event | CLOSING NIGHT GALA
Salvador Dali Café - 155 Kent St
After the screening of the closing night film Sharp Corner, join us at Dali Café from 9 PM until late to celebrate the festival's grand finale. It’s the perfect chance to relax, connect, and toast to a successful weekend of film, creativity, and collaboration. Don’t miss this final opportunity to mingle with filmmakers, industry professionals, and festival-goers!
