Cinema Summit 2026

Start Cinema Summit 2026 by joining the official opening reception, where good food and great people come together. Accredited guests can enjoy a full breakfast while taking the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet new potential collaborators and plan the must-see screenings and events from Cinéfest 2026. 

Additional details about this event will be forwarded to all Accredited Guests of Cinema Summit 2026.

A film’s journey requires relationships with decision makers at many different stages – development, funding, greenlighting, screening… Join our moderator for a candid conversation with the people who move projects forward. Hear what makes them lean in, what makes them pass, what elements they require to grant a greenlight. Gain a better understanding of their roles, when to approach them, how to build a relationship, and the choices a filmmaker can make that gets their work made and seen. 

Panelists:

Pat O'Hearn (Executive Director, Cinéfest & Associate Executive Director, Cultural Industries Ontario North - CION)

Norman Wilner (Canadian Film critic & festival programmer)

maxine bailey (Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre)

Learn from local union representatives about building a successful career in Northern Ontario’s film and television industry. Discover practical strategies for managing finances as a crew member, navigating pathways to union membership, working on union and non-union productions, and developing your skills through training and professional development programs offered by unions and organizations such as CION. 

A must-attend session for emerging filmmakers, film students, and new film graduates ready to take the next step in their careers. This session offers valuable insights, resources, and connections to help you take the next step in building your career in Northern Ontario’s screen industry. 

Panelists:

Tyler Hewitt (Business Agent, IATSE Local 634)

Michelle Michals (Director of Member Services, The Directors Guild of Canada in Ontario)

Beth Nobes (Training Coordinator IATSE Local 667 International Cinematographers Guild)

David Rumley (Business Agent, IATSE Local 411)

Martin Smith (Production Manager/Line Producer, Northern Ontario)

Accredited guests are welcome to mingle with union representatives and peers in this unique opportunity. Forge valuable support from unions representing screenwriters, cinematographers, actors and more. 

Additional details about this event will be forwarded to all Accredited Guests of Cinema Summit 2026.

Find out how sustainability can benefit filmmakers and the community. In Northern Ontario, smarter production choices can help lower costs, increase efficiency, strengthen local partnerships, and support the long-term management of locations that attract productions. This panel will explore where productions can find savings, which sustainable changes are worth making, and how working with local communities and businesses can benefit both the bottom line and the region. 

Panelists:

Dr. Jennifer Babin-Fenske (Climate Change Coordinator, City of Greater Sudbury)

Jennifer Haufler (Producer, Lacuna Productions) 

Samantha Leigh (Sustainability Consultant & Production Team Lead, Green Spark Group)

Mark Gentili (Editor, Sudbury.com)

Accredited guests are invited to one last networking breakfast to connect with key stakeholders, economic development officers from across the north and filmmakers to keep building stronger connections. Enjoy a buffet breakfast with industry friends and potential collaborators.

Additional details about this event will be forwarded to all Accredited Guests of Cinema Summit 2026.

Go behind-the-scenes with Brett and Jason Butler, Substance Production, as they share inside details of getting their feature films from the drawing board to audience release and beyond. These seasoned micro-budget producers offer their unique perspective on how to create, produce, and promote. 

Panelists:

Jason Butler (Writer-Director-Producer - Substance Production)

Brett Butler (Writer-Director-Producer - Substance Production)   

Pandora Topp (Producer)

Take the leap from short film to feature by learning key steps for a successful transition.  This panel is all about how filmmakers can build on the success of a short film and turn that momentum into feature-length projects. This panel will share insights on the transition from promising filmmaker to working filmmaker. 

Panelists:

Gloria Kim (Writer-Director, The Banquet) 

Scott Anthony Cavalheiro (Writer-Director, Plan C)

Norman Wilner (Canadian Film critic & festival programmer)