#FIRSTLOOK: CANADIAN FILM CENTRE ANNOUNCE MAKEUP INTENSIVE PARTICIPANTS FOR 2025

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is pleased to announce the Makeup Intensive has returned for a second year. This professional development and training intensive for emerging and mid-career artists is made possible with support from lead partner the Department of Canadian Heritage, program partners IATSE 873, the City of Toronto, and the J.P. Bickell Foundation, and returning program supporter CMU College of Makeup Art & Design. The initiative aims to accelerate the career paths of makeup professionals from Black, Indigenous and racialized communities and to expand the industry’s expertise in serving all skin tones. The Makeup Intensive began September 29 and runs until November 21, 2025.

This year’s five participants are Sade Small, Caroline Garant, Monica Chau, Gigi Rimsa, and Douglas Mena Espinoza.

As part of the eight-week intensive, these five talented artists will develop invaluable hands-on on-set experience and behind the scenes prep, receive coaching from experts in the field and take part in career-building opportunities with industry leaders. In addition to invaluable training and skill development, participants will have an opportunity to expand their professional creative network and learn how to navigate the business. They will collaborate and work on key CFC productions within the Norman Jewison Film Program and CBC Actors Conservatory.

“The Makeup Intensive reflects our commitment to building greater equity within the screen industry,” said maxine bailey, Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre. “This program helps break down barriers for marginalized artists, and we’re proud to continue this vital initiative, with the generous support of our new and returning partners, to help equip a new cohort of talented makeup professionals with the tools they need to thrive.”

“I am pleased to support the Canadian Film Centre’s (CFC) hands-on skills development training program, as well as their two “CFC Conversations: BIPOC Creators” events. Through this funding, our government is helping more equity-seeking artists, creators, and makeup professionals succeed and contribute to the richness of Canada’s identity, arts, and culture. Diversity is at the heart of who we are, and we are proud to help our creators share their talent with the world,” said The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.

CFC’ Makeup Intensive began September 29 and runs until November 21, 2025. This program has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.

Makeup Intensive 2025 Participants:

SADE SMALL (she/her): From a young age, she was captivated by the magic of film and the power of practical effects. Her journey began in 2020, at just 14, when she attended the Black Women in Film camp. That experience opened her eyes to the world behind the camera and sparked a deep interest in storytelling through production. A year later, she secured her first role as a production assistant, gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced creative environment. Her passion for film continued to grow, eventually leading her to CMU, where she explored all aspects of the makeup industry. There, she refined her skills and expanded her knowledge of the craft. With a strong foundation and clear vision, she now aims to specialize in prosthetics, using her talent to champion inclusive beauty. She hopes to work with a wide range of skin tones and textures, contributing to greater diversity in film and television.

CAROLINE GARANT (she/her): Caroline Garant is a professional makeup artist and CMU alumna. She discovered her passion for makeup artistry as a career path after collaborating with peers in creative projects, such as music videos and photoshoots. She has assisted HMU in film productions. What she loves the most about her career is the creative process and thrill of seeing the results of her craft, being a small but significant part of something much bigger.

MONICA CHAU (she/her): Monica Chau is a Toronto based freelance makeup artist with over 7 years of experience in the beauty industry. Ever since buying a lime green eyeshadow from the drug store in high school, she fell in love with makeup and began practicing different makeup looks on herself everyday for school. This passion followed her into her university life, and eventually she decided to pursue it further by working at Sephora after graduating. Since then, she has had her work published in Sephora stores in nationwide campaigns across Canada. From the initial consultation to the final look, Monica’s priority is to listen and understand her client’s vision, ensuring the best possible results. Her approach combines creativity inspired by various art forms with in-depth knowledge of current makeup trends to provide a truly unique and personalized experience for her clients. From walking down the runway, to the red carpet, to down the aisle, Monica always wants her clients to look fresh, glowy and highlight their natural features. She graduated as valedictorian from the College of Makeup Art and Design with a double diploma in the Comprehensive Makeup Artist Program and the Digital Effects Artist Program.

GIGI RIMSA (she/her): Born and raised in downtown Toronto, Gigi first took an interest in makeup as a very young girl, right as she also showed a gift for anime drawing and character creation, which she habitually indulged in all day long. Her hand was confident, while her taste and esthetic instincts were far beyond her years. When YouTube emerged, she was obsessed with learning all the makeup styles demonstrated, from glam to horror to injuries. At Halloween, she excelled at doing makeup, especially monster and gore, on friends and family. Just before Covid, Gigi was enrolled at Humber College, acing several makeup and basic hair courses. Mid-Covid, she enrolled CMU and leapt into that world immediately, pulling high marks across the board. Gigi’s visual imagination knows no bounds. She’s fearlessly inventive, but without ego or pretense. She’s confident in her abilities, but not afraid to ask for help if she doesn’t know how to do something to a high standard. Her impeccable memory aids in continuity and also socially, as she never forgets people’s names or those of their kids, pets – you name it. Though initially shy around strangers, once engaged, she completely relaxes and gets on with it.

DOUGLAS MENA ESPINOZA (he/him): Douglas is a professional makeup artist with experience in theatre, film, fashion, and live performance. At the Stratford Festival, he developed expertise in period makeup and character transformations for large-scale productions. His film and television work demonstrates a strong ability to adapt techniques for on-camera performance, maintaining consistency and attention to detail under production demands. In fashion, he has worked backstage at shows, creating precise, high-impact looks that complement designer collections. He is also active in the drag community, specializing in bold, transformative artistry that emphasizes creativity and individuality.

For more information, visit cfccreates.com.