Industry Day 3
Wednesday, March 26 | Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm | CFF Industry Showcase:
CFF x Firecracker Department Present:
THE 2025 COMEDY IGNITER
Co-presented by WIFT+ Toronto
A special presentation showcasing the top selected creative comedies from The Comedy Igniter, a film challenge created by Canadian Film Fest and Firecracker Department, where female and non-binary filmmakers were invited to write, shoot, and deliver a comedic short film within a four week timeline. Each Igniter will present their film and receive feedback and advice for their short comedy film from a live panel of comedy and filmmaking professionals.
Host:
Naomi Snieckus, Firecracker Department
Panelists:
Lauren MacKinlay, Bell Media, Development Executive, Original Programming, Scripted
Sarah Quan, CBC, Executive in Charge of Development, Comedy
Aurora Browne, Actor & Comedian, Baroness Von Sketch Show
Melissa D’Agostino, Filmmaker, Highball TV Co-Founder
Samantha MacAdam, Director, Shelved, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Prom Night
2025 COMEDY IGNITER OFFICAL SHOWCASE SELECTIONS
I’m Here!
Directors: Becky Swannick & Maddy Foley
Writer: Liv Collict
“Cleo” longs for a best friendship, like the one in her favourite tv show, 'My Best Friend Toast'. With a sudden knock at the door, her wish comes true! Or so she thinks…
SIGNS
Directed by Dani Kind, Produced by Tara Ellis and Kimberly Manky, Written by Kimberly Manky
When the arbitrary and excessive rules of an office target her, a courageous woman recognizes her obligation to dissent and starts a revolution.
Extremely Small Claims Court
Director/writer/producer: Ray Resvick
Writer/producer: Becca Redden
Chaos erupts in the world’s smallest (and gayest) courtroom when astrology-obsessed Sage sues her ex-situationship, Kai—a commitment-phobic influencer—for ghosting. Presiding over the romantic disaster is Judge Down, who takes her job a little too seriously. But when surprise witness Livvie, Kai’s on-again, off-again “friend,” reveals more than just text messages, things get hilariously out of hand. In this satirical spin on dating drama, Extremely Small Claims Court puts modern love on trial—literally.
My Gay Demon Girlfriend
Director & Writer: Samantha Wyss
Producers: Rachel Siegel, Toluwa Fayemi
Andie brings her girlfriend Ogg to meet her super cool, super queer friend group for the first time. For anyone, this would be an anxiety-inducing scenario. But for Ogg, things are 10 times worse because... well, she's a demon from hell.
GRIEVERS
Writer & Director: Ziggy Schulting
Producer: Madison Caan
Associate Producer: Watson Rose
Unsure of how to navigate a recent breakup, Penelope turns to a local community group for support. She soon discovers, however, that this eclectic mix is anything but normal, and everyone grieves in their own way.
New to the Neighbourhood
Writer & Director: Sarah Adams
Debra Faery is a new home owner who hopes to make a good impression with her neighbours. She discovers an old rival has moved in next door and has the same idea. In the end, Debra confronts her past and proves she means no harm to anyone.
FESTIVAL
Directed by: Natalie Semotiuk & Yeimy Daza
Written by: Emma Bulpin & Natalie Semotiuk
Produced by: Emma Bulpin
Follow two publicists surviving the chaos of a world-renowned Film Festival, where the behind-the-scenes madness of showbiz is in full force. Just minutes before a major press conference, their worst nightmare unfolds—an A-list actress, desperate for a comeback and notorious for her drinking problem, vanishes without a trace. With time ticking and reputations on the line, they must navigate industry egos and their own unraveling sanity to pull off the impossible. In a world where panic is inevitable but failure is not an option, they’ll need quick thinking, blind optimism, and a well-timed bathroom break to make it through.
MEATBALL
Director: Mishki Vaccaro
Writers: Lyla Porter-Follows, Mishki Vaccaro
Producers: Lyla Porter-Follows, Mishki Vaccaro, Perrie Voss
Judith and Chloe arrive at Mia's house for what they think is a memorial for Mia's dog, but things quickly devolve into something much more...unusual.
