Industry Day 4
Thursday, March 27 | Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
CFF Industry Cheers & Chats:
DRESSED TO TELL: The Role of Costumes in Storytelling
Sponsored by xoTO | Co-presented by CAFTCAD & NABET 700
Costume design is more than aesthetics—it's a powerful storytelling tool that shapes character, defines time and place, conveys emotion, and enriches a film’s narrative. This panel brings together some of Toronto’s top working costume designers to explore both the art and business of costume design in the film industry.
Discover how these designers got their start, gain insights into the creative process, and learn practical strategies for bringing a director’s vision to life—even on an indie budget. Whether you're a filmmaker, costume designer, or simply passionate about the craft, this conversation will inspire you on how to see costumes as a vital part of cinematic storytelling.
Moderator:
Joanna Syrokomla, Costume Designer, CAFTCAD Awards Chair
Panelists:
Kristin Somborac, Costume Designer
Darynel Beckford, Costume Designer & Stylist
Charlene Akuamoah, Costume Designer
12:15 pm - 1:30 pm
CFF Industry Panel:
BEYOND THE RED CARPET: The Future of Film Promotion
Co-Presented by Canadian Film Centre (CFC)
Over the past decade how films garner audiences has undergone a seismic shift. Alongside traditional press tours and reviews are TikTok trends, influencer partnerships and AI driven marketing. Simultaneously, streaming platforms have redefined release strategies, and independent films are finding new paths to visibility in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. This panel brings together a journalist, a distributor, and a producer (Names TBC) to explore the current state of film promotion, how publicity strategies have adapted, and what the future holds. How do filmmakers cut through the noise? What role do critics and entertainment media still play? And how can Canadian filmmakers maximize impact in this rapidly changing ecosystem? Join us for a deep dive into the evolving promotional playbook for film in the digital age.
Moderated by:
Rakhee Sapra, Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications, CFC
1:40 pm - 2:45 pm
CFF Industry Panel:
THE ART OF ADAPTATION: Making Darkest Miriam
Co-presented by inkcanada
Join celebrated screen and television writer Karen Walton in conversation with director Naomi Jaye and author Martha Baillie as they discuss the creative journey of adapting Baillie's The Incident Report into Jaye's Darkest Miriam. This panel delves into the artistic choices that shape a literary work's transformation for the screen - from acquisition and script development to performance and production. Through behind-the-scenes insights, discover how this award-winning film captures the essence of the novel, bringing its world to life in a compelling new cinematic form.
Moderated by:
Karen Walton, Screenwriter, inkcanada Founder
Panelists:
Naomi Jaye, Screenwriter/Director, Darkest Miriam
Martha Baillie, Author, The Incident Report