Film Archives - News@91��ɫ

Award-winning writer and director Nicolás Pereda returns to TIFF with North American premiere of Copper

Nichole Jankowski — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:59:21 +0000

91��ɫ-trained auteur offers interviews around the premiere of his latest feature, a surreal docu-fiction tracing a Mexican miner’s quiet unravelling following a haunting discovery

91��ɫ proudly celebrates the North American premiere of (Cobre), the latest feature by esteemed director, screenwriter and alum Nicolás Pereda (BFA ’05, MFA ’07). Screening in the Wavelengths programme at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Cooper is “the latest subtly brilliant work of Pereda’s magical realist world,” according to In Review Online.

A Canadian-Mexican co-production, the film follows Lázaro, played by Lázaro G. Rodríguez, a long-suffering mine worker whose years of deteriorating health compel him to seek an oxygen tank. His life takes an unnerving turn when he discovers a corpse by the side of a road, setting off a surreal chain of suspicion, rumour and desire . This quietly unsettling film employs Pereda’s signature blend of narrative and documentary elements, underscored by formal restraint, humour and wit.

Having earned both his BFA and MFA in film from 91��ɫ, Pereda relocated from Mexico City at age 19 to study film in Toronto, culminating in his thesis project and first feature Where Are Their Stories? Over the next two decades, he built a rich oeuvre that has earned him over 30 retrospectives, including presentations by the Anthology Film Archives, Pacific Film Archives and the Harvard Film Archive. His films — Perpetuum Mobile, Summer of Goliath, Greatest Hits, Killing Strangers, The Absent, Minotaur, My Skin, Luminous, Fauna, Lázaro at Night — have premiered at international festivals including TIFF, Venice, Berlinale, Rotterdam, and more.

Pereda is available for interviews to discuss Cooper, as well as his consistent, inventive and deeply empathetic body of work.

Showtimes

Friday, Sept. 12 at 2:15 p.m.

TIFF Lightbox

Saturday, Sept. 13 at 12:30 p.m.

Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Sunday, Sept. 14 at 7:10 p.m.

Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Runtime: 78 minutes

Programme: Wavelengths, Unhidden Gems presented by Redbreast

(AMPD) at 91��ɫ is a dynamic hub for creative experimentation and expression. With a commitment to cultivating artistic excellence, new ideas and entrepreneurial skills, AMPD students learn by doing with industry-leading professionals in career-focused activities. The Department of Cinema & Media Arts at AMPD offers exceptional hands-on and theoretical training across the evolving spectrum of cinema and media with access to top-tier facilities, including the 91��ɫ Motion Media Studio at Cinespace Studios Toronto. From idea to screenplay, camera to screen, screen to critical inquiry, AMPD students learn to think and create in the language of the moving image across all media, guided by faculty who are experts in their field.

About 91��ɫ

91��ɫ is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for success. 91��ɫ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

Media Contact: Nichole Jankowski, 91��ɫ Media Relations and External Communications, 647-995-5013, jankown@yorku.ca

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91��ɫ U alumni nominated for 76 Canadian Screen Awards

Nichole Jankowski — Fri, 30 May 2025 13:43:23 +0000

With nominations in over 50 categories, graduates are recognized for excellence in performance, direction, writing, music, cinematography, sound, and more

Ever since their creation in 2013, the result of a merger between the Gemini and Genie awards, the Canadian Screen Awards have been considered the most prestigious in the country. The annual celebration recognizes artistic and technical excellence in Canadian film, English-language television, and digital media or web series.

91��ɫ alumni — many of them graduates of the (AMPD), which offers degrees in production, screenwriting, cinema and media arts as well as theatre acting and performance — have earned an impressive 76 nominations this year. The awards ceremony will stream live on Sunday, June 1 at 8 p.m. ET on CBC Gem.

Here are a few of the nominees representing 91��ɫ:

Spencer Creaghan (BFA ’15)

Nominated for: Achievement in Music - Original Score, I Don’t Know Who You Are

Photo courtesy Spencer Creaghan

Spencer Creaghan is known for his adventurous scores. A composer for film, television and video games, he earned his BFA from AMPD in 2015. His distinctive sound blends classical orchestration with contemporary pop and rock, ancient folk traditions, human vocal textures and field recordings. Focused on worldbuilding through music, Creaghan’s scores often take on a character of their own, heightening emotions and bringing the narrative subtext to life.

His work has been featured in the television series SurrealEstate, the sci-fi short Spaceman (2024), and the feature films Motherly (2021) and Quickening (2021). He also composed the score for I Don’t Know Who You Are, which premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and earned him a CSA nomination for Achievement in Music – Original Score.

Written, directed, and edited by fellow 91��ɫ alum M. H. Murray (BFA ’15), I Don’t Know Who You Are tells the story of a struggling musician pushed to the brink after a sexual assault leaves him with just 72 hours to raise the money needed for the HIV prevention drug PEP.

Audio from Creaghan’s original scores can be streamed on his . He is available for media interviews.

Wesley Magee-Saxton (BFA ’22)

Nominated for: Best Performance, Sketch Comedy (Individual or Ensemble), The Squeaky Wheel: Canada

Photo courtesy Wesley Magee-Saxton

Wesley Magee-Saxton is an actor, writer, dancer, martial artist, activist, and storyteller who mines their artistic talents and experience of intersecting privilege and oppression to break down barriers and create pathways for those who are marginalized. They graduated cum laude from AMPD’s acting conservatory in 2022 with a BFA in acting for the stage, and are represented by Ritter Talent Agency in Toronto.

Magee-Saxton is a cast member in The Squeaky Wheel: Canada, a satirical series that uses a half-hour, news-style format to poke fun at the ableist society that people with disabilities encounter daily. In the comedy, they take on a range of absurd characters and scenarios, including portraying obnoxious, able-bodied and neurotypical personalities with sharp wit and insight.

Their performance in the series has earned them a nomination for Best Performance, Sketch Comedy alongside ensemble castmates Margaret Rose, Samantha Wyss, Sivert Das, Yousef Kadoura, Gaitrie Persaud, Graham Kent and Courtney Gilmour.

Beyond their work in television, film, and dance, Magee-Saxton also lends their voice to the Holland Bloorview Research Institute’s Online Hub for Sexuality and Disability. Magee-Saxton is available for interviews.

Alison Duke (MFA ’20)

Nominated for: Best Direction, Documentary Series, Paid in Full: The Battle for Black Music

An award-winning filmmaker, Alison Duke began her career as a music video and television producer. She has since honed her directing, producing and writing skills through her work on groundbreaking documentaries, features and short films, and graduated with an MFA from AMPD in 2020. Her genre-spanning films wrestle with complex societal issues, giving a voice to underrepresented communities. In 2018, Duke co-founded the production company OYA Media Group to support emerging filmmakers, expanding the scope and reach of original scripted and unscripted content for global audiences. In 2022, she co-founded Oya Black Arts Coalition.

She is the first Black woman to direct a Canadian Heritage Minute and a recipient of the Women In Film and Television-Toronto Crystal Award for her commitment to mentoring young filmmakers. Her credits include the classic cult documentary Raisin Kane: A Rapumentary (2001) about the Toronto rap group Citizen Kane; the two-time Canadian Screen Award-winning documentary Mr. Jane and Finch (2019); Cool Black North (2019); and the Golden Sheaf-winning short fictional drama Promise Me (2020).

Duke has been nominated for Best Direction, Documentary for Paid in Full: The Battle for Black Music, a three-part series that explores the fight for racial justice and fair pay in the music industry, a business where Black artists have been exploited since the advent of recorded sound.

Stacey McGunnigle (BFA ’08)

Nominated for: Best Writing, Variety or Sketch Comedy and Best Performance, Sketch Comedy (Individual or Ensemble), This Hour Has 22 Minutes

Stacey McGunnigle is an actress and comedian best known as a cast member of This Hour Has 22 Minutes. After graduating from AMPD with a BFA in 2008, McGunnigle rose to prominence with The Second City, joining its national touring company in the early 2010s and the mainstage cast of We’ve Totally (probably) Got This! in 2012. She won the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Breakout Artist in 2013 and was twice nominated for Best Female Improviser before joining 22 Minutes in 2021.

The longest-running television comedy series in Canada, 22 Minutes was launched in 1993 during a federal election. With its focus on Canadian politics and world events, it pushes the boundaries of provocative satire through parody and sketch.

Congratulations to all 91��ɫ alumni nominated this year!

Film

Naomi Jaye (MFA ’19) for Achievement in Direction and Adapted Screenplay, Darkest Miriam

Maya Bankovic (BFA ’07) for Achievement in Cinematography, The Invisibles

Michael Davison (BFA ’14) for Achievement in Visual Effects, Presented by SPINVFX, Code 8: Part II

Elma Bello (BFA ’95) for Achievement in Sound Editing, Darkest Miriam

Jenny Lewis (BA ’94) for Achievement in Casting, Paying for It

Marusya Bociurkiw (MA ’00) for Best Feature Length Documentary, Analogue Revolution: How Feminist Media Changed the World

Lisa Jackson (MFA ’19) for Best Feature Length Documentary, Wilfred Buck

David Schmidt (BFA ’11) Best Editing in a Feature Length Documentary, Wilfred Buck

Television

Julie Di Cresce (MA ’03) for Best TV Movie, Bootcamp

Stephanie Morgenstern (MA ’91) for Best Drama Series, Allegiance

Shazia Javed (MFA ’16) for Best Drama Series and Best Writing, Drama Series, Potluck Ladies

John Morayniss (BBA ’85) for Best Drama Series, Sight Unseen

Laura Michalchyshyn (MBA ’93) and Justin Stockman (BFA ’96) for Best Reality/Competition Program or Series, Canada's Drag Race

Allison Grace (BA ’94) for Best Lifestyle Program or Series, Mary Makes It Easy

Tracy Galvin (BA ’85) for Best Live Entertainment Special, The 2024 JUNO Awards

Nancy Yeboah (BFA ’17) for Best Live Entertainment Special, The Legacy Awards 2024

Lisa Ellenwood (MA ’99, BA ’91) for Donald Brittain Award for Best Social/Political Documentary Program, APTN Investigates: Food for Profit

Bryn Hughes (BA ’02) for Best Biography or Arts Documentary Program or Series, The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal

Vince Commisso (MBA ’92, BAS ’88, BA ’86) for Best Animated Program or Series, Wild Kratts

Amanda Fahey (BFA ’09) for Best Children's or Youth Fiction Program or Series, Beyond Black Beauty

Mark J.W. Bishop (MA ’12) for Best Children's or Youth Non-Fiction Program or Series, All Round Champion and Old Enough!

Jessica Capobianco (BA ’99) for Best Variety or Entertainment Special, Canada's Walk of Fame 25th Anniversary Celebration

Claudia Abate (MA ’06) Best Variety or Entertainment Special, The Last Timbit: A 60th Anniversary Musical

Bronwen Hughes (BFA ’85) for Best Direction, Drama Series, So Long, Marianne

Chelsea McMullan (MFA ’10, BFA ’06) for Best Direction, Documentary Series and Best Writing, Documentary, Swan Song

Amanda Parris (BA ’08) for Best Direction, Factual; Barbara Sears Award for Best Editorial Research; Best Writing, Factual; and Best Host or Presenter, Factual or Reality/Competition, For the Culture with Amanda Parris

Ramona Barckert (BA ’01) for Best Writing, TV Movie, ’Twas the Date Before Christmas

Paulina Robak (BFA ’05) and Michael Tersigni (BFA ’04) for Best Writing, Lifestyle or Reality/Competition, The Amazing Race Canada

Yasmine Mathurin (BA ’11) and Christine Charles (BA ’99) for Barbara Sears Award for Best Editorial Research, For the Culture with Amanda Parris

Richard Young (MBA ’03) for Best Writing, Pre-School, Dino Ranch

Kanja Chen (BEd ’00, BA ’99) for Best Writing, Pre-School, The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy and Go Togo

David Greene (BFA ’94) for Best Photography, Drama, Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent

Ben Lichty (BFA ’03) for Best Photography, Comedy, Don't Even

Shady Hanna (BFA ’17) and Tess Girard (BFA ’05) Best Photography, Documentary or Factual, Swan Song

Michael Emberley (BFA ’00) for Best Picture Editing, Reality/Competition, Big Brother Canada

Jaime Sanchez (BA ’09) for Best Picture Editing, Reality/Competition, Canada's Ultimate Challenge

Graeme Cornies (BFA ’06) for Best Original Music, Animation, PAW Patrol and Rubble & Crew; and Best Original Music, Comedy, Odd Squad UK

Antonio Naranjo (BA ’09) for Best Original Music – Original Song, Mittens & Pants: “We Are Dogs”

Steve Denheyer (BA ’95) for Best Sports Opening, 2024 Copa America

Ryan Tonellato (BA ’02) for Best Sports Opening, 2024, Stanley Cup Finals - Phil Collins “In the Air”

Michael Lane (BFA ’02) for Best Sports Opening, TradeCentre

Peter Keleghan (BA ’84) for Best Guest Performance, Drama Series, Murdoch Mysteries

Jenny Lewis (BA ’94) for Best Achievement in Casting, Fiction, Letterkenny and Shoresy

Andi Petrillo (BA ’04) for Best Sports Host, Paris 2024 Summer Olympics

Melissa Grelo (BA, BEd ’02), Cynthia Loyst (BFA ’98), and Andrea Bain (BA ’96) Best Host, Talk Show or Entertainment News, The Social

Julie Nolke (BFA ’12) for Best Ensemble Performance, Comedy and Best Supporting Performer, Comedy, Run the Burbs

Digital Media

Lauren Corber (LLB ’06) for Best Web Program or Series, Fiction, My Dead Mom

Wendy Litner (LLB ’06) for Best Web Program or Series, Fiction and Best Writing, Web Program or Series, My Dead Mom

Andrew Nicholas McCann Smith (BA ’06) for Best Web Program or Series, Fiction, Stories from my Gay Grandparents

Mark Kenneth Woods (MA ’03) for Best Web Program or Series, Non-Fiction, Pride: The LGBTQ+ History Series

Katelyn McCulloch (BFA ’11) for Best Direction, Web Program or Series and Best Writing, Web Program or Series, Everybody's Meg

Sarah Peterson (BFA ’14) for Best Writing, Web Program or Series, About That with Andrew Chang

About 91��ɫ

Media Contact: Nichole Jankowski, 91��ɫ Media Relations and External Communications, 647-995-5013, jankown@yorku.ca

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$3.12 million in renewed support for 91��ɫ Motion Media Studio at Cinespace

sandramc — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 14:50:00 +0000

Students will continue to benefit from hands-on learning in Toronto’s booming film-and-television production industry

TORONTO, APRIL 19, 2022 — 91��ɫ and Cinespace Film Studios announce renewed commitment of $3.12 million from Cinespace to enhance and elevate the 91��ɫ Motion Media Studio at Cinespace.

The media facility that is used for learning, teaching, and production, was originally established in 2016 with a $2.5-million donation from Cinespace Film Studios – a film-and-television production hub in downtown Toronto – and Cinespace founders, the Mirkopoulos family.

Since then, students from 91��ɫ’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design have enjoyed and benefited from invaluable hands-on learning opportunities, practical training in new media technologies, and direct exposure to leading members of the industry they are preparing to join.

91��ɫ President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton announced that those opportunities will expand into the future as Cinespace Film Studios (now owned by TPG Real Estate Partners) has renewed its commitment to the Motion Media Studio with a $3.12-million gift.

“Over the past two years – as change has accelerated around us and new global challenges have emerged – we have witnessed just how powerful artistic expression can be in generating new knowledge, ideas, and cultural artifacts that expand our understanding of the world, enrich the experiences of the communities we serve, and drive positive change both locally and globally,” said Lenton. “Cinespace’s generous new donation means that each student who has access to this studio will continue to have the opportunity to develop a creative voice, contribute to our collective cultural history, and affect positive change.”

From left: Ingrid Veninger, Associate Director, 91��ɫ Motion Media Studio at Cinespace and Assistant Professor, Department of Cinema and Media Arts, School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD); 91��ɫ President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton; Ashley Rice, president and co-managing partner of Cinespace Film Studios; Kenneth Rogers, Director, 91��ɫ Motion Media Studio at Cinespace; AMPD Dean Sarah Bay-Cheng

This renewed support for the Motion Media Studio will enable access to state-of-the-art technology, such markerless motion-performance capture; augmented reality, virtual reality, immersive environments, and motion simulation; and so much more. As Motion Media Studio evolves, students will find production process support, a suite of digital post-production equipment, and high-performance computing technology.

Students will also continue to benefit from access to industry leaders and a network of support in the heart of a state-of-the-art facility where such shows as Umbrella Academy and The Handmaid’s Tale are made.

“With Cinespace’s support, we will fuel the future of storytelling by supporting student success, connecting the next generation of media talent to industry career opportunities, and sharing the diverse stories of these creators with global audiences,” said AMPD Dean Sarah Bay-Cheng.

As the new president and co-managing partner of Cinespace Film Studios, Ashley Rice is ready to focus on the future. And for Rice, the future lies with the next generation of talent in film, television, and digital media.

“Giving back to the community has always been a part of Cinespace’s DNA, and when my partners and I took over leadership at Cinespace, we knew we wanted to keep that core tenet alive,” said Rice. “We believe there is a space for every emerging leader in film, television and digital media, and we hope this donation will empower students to take advantage of the opportunities at the 91��ɫ Motion Media Studio at Cinespace to learn and create.”

Jim Mirkopoulos, whose family was instrumental in establishing the initial commitment from Cinespace, knows the importance of providing the next generation of talent with the space to experiment and learn by doing.

“Since the pandemic, we have experienced increased demand for content, and content production,” said Mirkopoulos. “One of the key investments we can make in supporting our industry is to support its emerging talent and its new leaders.”

Toronto Mayor John Tory said there is urgent demand for such emerging local talent in the city’s film, television, and digital media production industry, which has experienced exponential growth in recent years, having attracted more than $2.5 billion in direct spending in film, television and digital media productions in 2021.

“This continued partnership between 91��ɫ and Cinespace Film Studio will give students access to incredible technology, as well as access to some of the industry’s greatest talents. Our film and TV sector is growing and thriving and to ensure that we can keep up with the demand, we must foster and cultivate new talent across the city. Beyond that, a space like this will help bolster our local economy by infusing the film, television and digital media industry with home-grown talent – this is good for our city and good for our residents. Thank you to 91��ɫ and Cinespace for partnering together to remove barriers to access and for investing in students eager to take on the industry,” said Mayor John Tory.

Training and teaching amenities to become available at the 91��ɫ Motion Media Studio at Cinespace over the coming years:
⦁ Experiential learning in cinematography, camera stabilization and motion control, lighting, blocking and more
⦁ High-quality technology including stereoscopic 30 cinema, interactive data visualization; gaming; sensing and control systems, markerless motion-performance capture; augmented reality, virtual reality, immersive environments and motion simulation; ambisonic sound; and interactive 30 image mapping and architectural projection
⦁ Production process support such as physical computing, electronics prototyping, fabrication, and production equipment for the development of custom electronics, and programmable microcontrollers and micro-computing technology
⦁ Suite of digital post-production equipment for editing, motion graphics, pre-visualization, virtual and mixed reality development, and high-resolution sound production
⦁ High performance computing

-30-

91��ɫ is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. 91��ɫ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

Media Contact:
Kayla Lewis, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 416-455-4710, lewiskay@yorku.ca

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What is cinema in an era of mobile screens?

roshanp — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 16:40:54 +0000

Industry leaders to speak at 50^th anniversary event for 91��ɫ U’s School of the Arts

TORONTO, November 14, 2019 – The screen industry in Canada is undergoing rapid change in response to social media, streaming services and new media such as virtual and augmented reality.

In a time of ubiquitous mobile media and computing, predictions for the future of Canada’s screen industries will be discussed on a panel – Unfolding Screens: Envisioning the Future of Media Arts in Canada – as part of 91��ɫ’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design’s on Wednesday, November 20.

, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada, will be joined on the panel by , CEO of Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, and Ingrid Veninger, Canadian actress, writer, director, producer and assistant professor in 91��ɫ’s Department of Cinema & Media Arts. All three are alumni of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD).

The moderator is , Dean of AMPD and a respected scholar on the intersections of theatre and digital media. Building on the school’s historic strengths in experimentation across the arts, AMPD is expanding its research and teaching in emerging industry developments, such as digital media and computational arts. Formerly known as the Faculty of Fine Arts, the School of AMPD created Canada’s first undergraduate film program in 1969, first university theatre course in 1971, first Master’s program in dance in 1976, first graduate program in film in 1979, and the first university courses in gospel music in 2005. With a name change to AMPD in 2015, the School continues to offer the only BFA degree in screenwriting in Canada.

The 50^th anniversary event also includes a choice of three student performances. The first two productions, Good Night Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) and Dance Innovations are both at capacity on event day, but tickets are available throughout the week. Seating is available for the third performance, 91��ɫ Jazz Festival: Small Ensembles.

WHAT: Film and theatre industry leaders to discuss media history and the future of screen arts and culture in Canada on a panel

WHEN: Wednesday, November 20, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre inside 110 Accolade East Building at 91��ɫ’s Keele Campus, 83 91��ɫ Boulevard (see #92 on this ).

NOTE: Members of the public are required to RSVP for the panel discussion by emailing infusini@yorku.ca. Members of the media should RSVP to the contact below.

91��ɫ champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91��ɫ students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91��ɫ U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91��ɫ is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni.

91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact: Vanessa Thompson, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 647-654-9452, vthomps@yorku.ca

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