Celebrating 29 years of advancing the careers of women and non-binary screen directors

Vancouver, BC (November 2025) – Women In the Director’s Chair (WIDC) is proud to announce the eight directors selected for the 2025–2026 edition of its flagship Story & Leadership program, a career-advancing, multi-phased development initiative that runs from November 14, 2025, through April 2026.

The program which has received major support from Telefilm Canada since its inception, is delivered as a hybrid: online including modules on working with ACTRA actors and IATSE DOP’s, as well as story and career development consultations, and an in-person industry immersion at the Whistler Film Festival (December 3–7), which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The 2025–2026 WIDC Story & Leadership cohort represents a vibrant mix of creative voices from across Canada:

Amy Trefry (Vancouver, BC) – queer, non-binary filmmaker and co-founder of Interwoven Films, known for Good Grief (OUTtv) and the feature Vermilion. At WIDC they are developing the farcical espionage series Operation Falcon inspired by true events.

“I make dark comedies about grief, espionage, and falcons, so naturally, I’m thrilled that WIDC saw ‘leadership material’ in that chaos! Truly, it’s an honour to be part of a program that invests in voices pushing the boundaries of what Canadian storytelling can look like and champions exactly the kind of filmmakers I aspire to be – brave, collaborative, and a little bit unruly. I couldn’t be more excited to grow alongside this incredible community,” says Amy Trefry.

Cjay Boisclair (Kamloops, BC) – award-winning director and founder of Askem Productions and YKA Film Society, dedicated to accessible, community-driven storytelling. She is developing the coming of age feature film, Mary for which she earned WIDC’s Advantage Award.

Clare Mullen (Edmonton, AB) – veteran filmmaker and playwright with a 30-year career in film and theatre, recognized for Waiting on Love and Cold War Remnant. She is developing the feature film drama, Next Sunday.

Diana Dai (Toronto, ON) – Gemini Award–winning filmmaker whose acclaimed films have screened internationally, including on CBC, TVO, and the documentary Channel. At WIDC she is developing her family drama feature film Dear Niece.

“Being selected for WIDC feels like a defining next step — a chance to refine my voice as a storyteller and connect with women who are reshaping the landscape of film,” saya Diana Dai.

Giulia Frati (Montreal, QC) – award-winning writer/director known for Istanbul Echoes and Pupa’s Garden, whose work explores resilience and social justice. She is developing the dark comedy feature film Up and Comers.

“This is a one of a kind program, a wonderful opportunity for me to take the creative leap of faith into fiction with a solid and inspiring safety net around me. I am ecstatic, grateful and eager to make that jump in the company of such talented and experienced mentors and participants,” says Giulia Frati.

Jonelle Belcourt (Calgary, AB) – Cree storyteller and filmmaker focused on authentic Indigenous narratives, including My Roommate Makayla, and Good Daze which she is developing into a feature length comedy.

Michelle Mason (North Vancouver, BC) – documentary filmmaker and co-founder of Capilano University’s Documentary Program, known for The Friendship Village and Breaking Ranks. She is developing the feature drama The Water’s Edge.

Vanessa Matsui (Toronto, ON) – is a CSA-winning producer, she is also an actor, writer and director, known for her critically acclaimed web series Ghost BFF. At WIDC she is developing the romantic dystopian-comedy feature film Space, written by Liane Balaban.

“I am thrilled to be a part of WIDC. I first attended this workshop as an actor 15 (?) years ago, and it was there that I was first inspired to try directing myself. I returned to Montreal and proceeded to write and direct my first short film. If it wasn’t for that experience at WIDC, I’m not sure where I would be today!” says Vanessa Matsui.

This year’s participants will receive mentorship and advanced leadership training from an acclaimed roster of WIDC mentors and instructors, including:

Dr. Carol Whiteman, WIDC co-creator and lead mentor; Dr. Dorothy Cucw-la7 Christian and Dr. Rita Shelton Deverell C.M., Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Work; Kim Albright, DGC director (With Love and a Major Organ) and Nimisha Mukerji, DGC/DGA director (Under the Bridge, Tracker), directors toolkit; Nathalie Younglai, writer/showrunner (Coroner, The Spencer Sisters), story consultant; Jungian expert Dr. Carolyn Mamchur, story and leadership development; Lori Triolo (Lost Solace) and Veena Sood (Children Ruin Everything),working with actors and leadership development;  Amy Belling csc (Beyond Black Beauty) and Gayle Ye (Paying For It), working with the cinematographer, and Annelise Larson, digital marketing mentor.

“Every year, WIDC evolves to meet the changing needs of women and gender-diverse creators while holding true to our mission – to champion authentic voices and build creative leadership in the screen industry,” says Dr. Carol Whiteman, WIDC Co-Creator and Producer. “This year’s cohort is exceptional, and we’re thrilled to help propel their journey through this next chapter in their careers.”

“We are proud to support the incredible work WIDC does to elevate representation and create leadership opportunities for women and non-binary people behind the camera in B.C.’s film industry,” says Prem Gill, Executive Director, Creative BC. “Storytelling is vital to shaping our cultural landscape, and it is essential that the stories we tell reflect the authentic experiences and perspectives of all people in our province.”

“As we celebrate the Whistler Film Festival’s 25th anniversary, we’re honoured to once again host the Women In the Director’s Chair Story & Leadership participants,” says Angela Heck, executive director, Whistler Film Festival. “WIDC’s commitment to empowering women and gender-diverse filmmakers perfectly reflects WFF’s mission to advance creative leadership, amplify underrepresented voices, and strengthen Canada’s storytelling landscape.”

ABOUT WOMEN IN THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR (WIDC)

Founded in 1996/97, Women In the Director’s Chair (WIDC) is an internationally respected Canadian professional development offering, specially designed to advance the skills, careers and fiction screen projects of mid-career women and non-binary directors. Over 375 director alumni living across Canada and around the world earn hundreds of awards and nominations for their work annually. Their work reaches millions of audiences world-wide. Co-created by representatives of ACTRA, GEMS Vancouver (formerly Women In Film and Television Vancouver), and The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity which was its home venue for eighteen years, WIDC is presented with major support from Telefilm Canada, and Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada, and with the participation of Creative BC, Actra Fraternal Benefit Society, ACTRA National, UBCP/ACTRA, Independent Production Fund.

WIDC community collaborators include the National Film Board, St John’s International Women’s Film Festival, Reelworld Institute Film Festival and Screen Institute, GEMFest, Female Eye Film Festival, DGC, DGC, BC, Crazy 8’s, TIFF, VIFF, the Whistler Film Festival, and GAT PR.

WIDC Feature Film Award is supported by MELS Studios, Keslow Camera, Panavision Canada, JAM POST Inc., Rocket Science VFX, Distillery VFX, Sunbelt Film & TV Rentals, Elemental Post, Company3 Vancouver, AA VFX, North Shore Studios, The Bridge Studios, Vancouver Film Studios, The Research House Clearance Services Inc., Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc., Descriptive Video Works, Line 21 Media Services, Power of Babel, EP Canada, Portable Electric, Champ & Pepper.

Instagram: @widc.ca