Indie Filmmaker Showcase

Cynthia Crofoot is a multi-award-winning screenplay writer, producer and actor. 

A passionate storyteller, she wrote, produced and starred in three short, award-winning films “Obdurate”, “Compliant” and “Promises”, and is currently in post-production of her latest short film “Prioritized”, which was funded in part, through the MAC Micro-Grant program. In addition to screenplay writing and production, Cynthia has been part of the judging process for many short film competitions; continues to host the Oakville Festival of Film and Art (OFFA); and enjoys working closely with the Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) in their mandate to educate and recognize local filmmakers and artists.

Kirk Cooper is the Festival Manager at Raven Banner Entertainment, where he oversees the company’s festival strategy and at times assists in acquisitions, ensuring the slate connects with audiences worldwide. With over 5 years at Raven Banner, he has successfully worked with over 45 festivals worldwide including Fantasia, Locarno International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, Strasburg Fantastic Fest, Sitges and BIFAN in South Korea.

Before joining Raven Banner in 2020, Kirk founded Film Market Access, a consulting and PR initiative that has supported more than 200 filmmakers in achieving market readiness for markets such as Marche du Film, EFM, Frontiers and TIFFthe Market. He has produced both narrative and non-fiction projects and continues to serve as a programmer and committee member at the Black Screen Office, providing a vital voice for independent cinema in Canada and abroad.

Salma joined the Ouat Media team after making her first short film and realizing there is a whole world for short films beyond festival runs. Salma is an actor, voiceover artist, producer, writer, and Reiki Master who upcycles second-hand textiles into new and useful apparel and accessories. She is passionate about women-focused film and TV projects and is always learning whether in class, listening to a podcast or reading a book – ask her what she’s learning about now.

Before entering the arts full-time, Salma worked in design & construction project management, where she sharpened her analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills – tools she now brings to every creative collaboration. She thrives when her days are varied, unpredictable, and full of surprises. Salma is happiest when helping others share the stories that matter most.

Steve Kelly began his career in broadcast television after earning a fine arts degree, working in graphics, early motion design, and 3D animation before moving into editing. His work has spanned news, short-form and documentary content, promos, educational media, events, and corporate communications, as well as visuals for live theatre. He spent 25 years as a freelance editor before becoming Director of Post-Production at a major Canadian financial institution, where he now leads teams delivering video at scale. Steve speaks about post-production as a practical craft—shaped by storytelling, evolving tools, and thoughtful process.

Lee Foster is an award-winning filmmaker who grew up in the GTA, and has been making films since his teenage years.

After attending the University of Toronto, Lee started his own film production company, Foster Films Canada that provides commercial video production, event coverage and photography services for companies across the GTA and Durham Region. 

For the last fifteen years, Lee has also produced and directed a wide variety of projects from music videos to short films, television to features – and has screened and placed in dozens of film festivals around the world.

He currently has two original shows on Bell FibeTV, and his third feature film as a Producer (Nuptials) was released on February 17th of this year.

Renowned as a collaborative creative partner, Steven Lindsay has built a distinguished career capturing compelling imagery that brings stories vividly to life. With a global portfolio spanning documentaries, television series, and advertising, Steven combines a sharp visual eye with deep technical expertise to uncover the heart of human stories. His work is defined by empathy, curiosity, and a genuine warmth that infuses every project with meaning and authenticity.

Joel Parkes has worked in the film, TV and music business for years. Currently an Executive Producer at Buck Productions and an Executive Producer at Urban Post, Joel works at developing and creating new TV shows and films. He is also widely known as the person who owns the cutest cat in the world. Like, for real. The cutest cat in the entire world.

Robin Riad is an experimental filmmaker and arts administrator. She is currently the Special Projects Manager at the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto. Robin works with analogue mediums, and enjoys exploring the materiality of film in her work. When not making films, Robin spends her time teaching workshops and volunteering at local arts organizations. 

Virinder Singh is an accomplished filmmaker recognized for his work exploring Punjabi sub-culture through two feature-length documentaries, as well as over 25 short films and music videos screened internationally. He has also served as production manager on series like “Get Up Aisha” and “It’s My Anxiety”. His most recent feature film was independently produced and distributed, reflecting his commitment to creative autonomy. A proud alumnus of both the Whistler and Reelworld Producers programs, Virinder continues to expand his expertise across diverse facets of filmmaking.  

Since joining the Directors Guild of Canada in 2016, he has contributed in multiple capacities—including accounting, locations, and production to major projects from leading studios and networks such as Disney (Spin), Paramount (Rabbit Hole), Netflix (Anne with an E), CBC (Kim’s Convenience), and Amazon (The Expanse).

Willem Wennekers’ is a showrunner, screenwriter, and executive producer whose credits include Fugget About It, Doomsday Brothers, and Red Ketchup, as well as the feature films Weirdsville, Kiss and Cry, Full Out, Pups United, and From the Vine.