The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) announced the appointment of new Board Chair Neishaw Ali, President of SPIN VFX who replaces longtime Chair, Christina Jennings, President and Chairman of Shaftesbury. Joining the CFC’s Board of Directors is Academy Award®-winning director Guillermo del Toro who will be officially appointed in October at the annual AGM. Jennings has served the CFC for over 17 years, ten of which she held the role of Chair. She will remain on the Board until October 2024.
These appointments come as the CFC prepares for its annual fundraising Gala that welcomes emerging and established creators, current and past alumni of the CFC, funders and supporters, and will celebrate founder Norman Jewison’s immense contribution to the Canadian and international film community. The CFC continues to fulfill Norman Jewison’s founding intent: to train Canadian talent with the skills necessary to showcase their stories on the world stage.
“Many decades ago, the brilliant Norman Jewison sparked a movement in our industry by creating the CFC, and I am incredibly privileged and humbled to take on this new role as Chair. I am so grateful to Christina for creating such a solid foundation for the CFC. Her passion and commitment to the institution she attended in 1990 is something to applaud, and I am honoured to take on the baton.” said Neishaw Ali. “I feel incredibly fortunate to start my tenure as Chair by announcing the appointment of our industry’s beloved Guillermo del Toro whose vision and mastery had impacted the screen industry in such a remarkable way. Guillermo’s voice is essential and so many of our CFC’s cohorts will benefit from having his input at the Board level.”
“As a filmmaker, I have been deeply moved by the work of Norman Jewison, someone who I had the privilege to know. A big part of his immense legacy is the Canadian Film Centre, the manifestation of his never-ending commitment to helping new filmmakers find their voice,” said Guillermo del Toro. “I am incredibly happy to be joining the Board of Directors and I look forward to working alongside the other members and the CFC staff to help support the next generation of storytellers.”
“Embracing a new chapter of leadership, we are proud to have Neishaw Ali as our esteemed Board Chair. With her visionary expertise and dedication, Neishaw will help steer us towards innovative heights in the ever-evolving landscape of Canadian film. As we bid farewell to the remarkable tenure of Christina Jennings, whose invaluable contributions have shaped the CFC’s journey over the past decade, we express heartfelt gratitude for her unwavering commitment. We are grateful to our new and continuing Board members for their hard work and commitment to the organization,” said maxine bailey, Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre.
“When the Diversity & Governance Committee set about looking for a new Board Chair, Neishaw was the perfect fit,” said Christina Jennings. “She’s the embodiment of creative innovation and excellence. It has been an honour to carry out Norman Jewison’s vision to nurture Canadian talent and I’m proud of what the CFC has accomplished and will continue to be involved for many years to come.”
Having also recently joined the board are writer, producer, entrepreneur and investor Mark Sakamoto, EVP for Think Research, and financial services leader Duane Green, former President and CEO of Franklin Templeton Canada. The CFC gratefully thanks other members of the board whose terms have ended: Eric Belcher, Don Carmody, Suzette Couture, David Cronenberg, Blake Goldring, Eugene Levy, George Lewis, Bob Munroe, Gary Slaight, Ron Suter, and Barbara Williams.
Current Board of Directors are:
Neishaw Ali (Chair), Cheryl Hudson (Co-Vice Chair), Steven DeNure (Co-Vice Chair), David Middleton (Treasurer), David Zitzerman (Secretary), Councillor Shelley Carroll (Ex Officio), Kate Alexander Daniels, Paul Bronfman, Tassie Cameron, Stéphane Cardin, Shirley Cheechoo C.M., Duane Green, Harold Gronenthal, Christina Jennings, Raja Khanna, Anne Loi, John Morayniss, Mark Sakamoto, Hilary Smith, and Clement Virgo.
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