CHRISANN HESSING - Writer, Director, Producer
Chrisann Hessing is a documentary filmmaker and impact producer based in Toronto. She has produced award-winning short films that have screened at Hot Docs, RIDM, Global Impact Film Festival and the London Asian Film Festival. Her work has been supported by the Ontario Arts Council, Inspirit Foundation, BravoFACT! Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent and Telefilm Canada. Chrisann’s latest film, Turning Tables, won Best Short Documentary at the 43rd American Indian Film Festival, and has screened in over 30 film festivals internationally. In 2020, Chrisann was selected as one of Reelworld's Emerging 20 and named Talent to Watch by Telefilm Canada.
TANYA HOSHI - Producer
Tanya Hoshi is a filmmaker based in Toronto, who has built a portfolio of award-winning films, webseries, and branded-content. Tanya has secured over a million dollars in financing via financiers such as Telefilm, Ontario Creates, Independent Production Fund, Ontario Arts Council, Inspirit Foundation, and Hot Docs Cross Currents. Tanya made her directorial debut with the web series Blackout which won Best Horror Series at WebFest Berlin. Tanya also produced the documentary Turning Tables, which was acquired by CNN’s Great Big Story. Tanya’s commercial productions have been viewed globally by millions of aspiring entrepreneurs, broadcast on NBC, and won a Telly Award.
RYAN J. NOTH - Editor
Ryan is a multi-platform filmmaker, editor, and producer. Focused in his work as a director on the creation of cinematic, socially poignant documentaries and experimental narratives, Ryan is an accomplished collaborator as an editor, primarily in documentary. His work includes the TFCA’s best Canadian feature of 2016, The Stairs (TIFF, VIFF), for which he was also nominated for a Canadian Cinema Editors award. He recently edited his debut feature fiction film, Drifting Snow, which was named one of the top ten Canadian releases of 2021 by The Globe and Mail. With a sensitive ear for sound design, an endless cinematic curiosity, and an intuitive mind for montage, Ryan thoroughly enjoys helping filmmakers realize their inner visions.
JOHN MINH TRAN, csc - Cinematographer
John Minh Tran was born in Vietnam and raised in Calgary. John moved to Toronto to attend Ryerson University for film studies. Since graduating in 1995 he has remained in Toronto working as a cinematographer in documentary, documentary series, drama and commercials.
DAVE LAM - Cinematographer
Dave Lam has been a Cinematographer since 2008 in Toronto. He is fortunate enough to have consistently worked on scripted and branded content, with two degrees in film from Ryerson University, being published in the CSC magazine and having multiple award wins and nominations; recents credits include, CSA nominated digital series “Topline”, Murdoch Mysteries spin off “Macy Murdoch”, BBC/CBC series “Gangnam Project” and Crave & CSA winning series “The Secret History of the Underground Railroad”. He continues to grow and hope to work on bigger projects as he continues his career.
DANNY OH - Cinematographer
As a storyteller, Danny creates cohesive and accessible projects where film and stories are nurtured holistically. From documentaries, music videos to commercials, his main focus is on developing narrative-focused motion pictures to targeted audiences with his lighting and framing. Danny works with all kinds of budgets as he enjoys collaborating with a large number of crews on set and also loves the challenges that come in minimal circumstances. From big sets to small sets, he is always engaged and excited because of his passion to work with others.
JOSHUA “CLASSIC ROOTS” DEPERRY - Composer
Hailing from the Thunder Bay region and currently based in Toronto, Classic Roots is an award-winning producer, DJ, and a proud member of the Long Lake 58 First Nation, embodying Ojibwe and Blackfoot heritage. Their presence within the Mukwa-Dodem (Bear clan) resonates strongly in the music community, characterized by unparalleled talent and significant collaborations.
Classic Roots embodies the untamed spirit of Northern Ontario, serving as an inspirational figure. Through transformative workshops that blend dance, cultural expression, fitness, and DJing, Joshua passionately shares his expertise, instilling optimism and self-assurance among First Nations youth. As he crafts remarkable music and shares narratives encapsulating the audacious essence of the North, Classic Roots celebrates the enduring resilience of his nation, reminding all that the pursuit of dreams is well within reach.