“They have the ability to take really interesting shots and capture the perfect emotional climax. Their skill level is quite unparalleled.”

Creating their own series also allowed Stevens, Knox and Cumyn to fill the cast and crew with people who have traditionally been under-represented in the film and television industry.

Canadian filmmakers J Stevens (Sort Of), Gavin Seal (Followers), and Melanie Oates (Body & Bones) are among the creators selected for the 47th annual TIFF Filmmaker Lab.
 

'But what makes Astrid & Lilly unique is the authenticity of its lovingly written, endearingly portrayed outsider heroines.'

'The film, which clocks in at under 15 minutes, manages to take audiences through the turbulent storm of emotions that Black North Americans were forced to navigate during (as well as before and ever since) the summer of 2020.'

'The Toronto International Film Festival® today announced the full Platform programme and revealed that Academy Award–nominated actor Riz Ahmed will head the jury for the 2021 Platform Competition.'

'IFC announced today the pickup of the first two seasons of the digital comedy short-form series Slo Pitch, with season one premiering on IFC later this year.'

'I’m the most proud about the number of opportunities we were able to give to non-cis males in our cast and crew. In front of the camera there are a lot of women and non-binary people, and behind the camera it was just the same.' J

'If you’re a sports fan or someone simply longing for a beautifully shot series that’s genuinely diverse, look no further. Slo Pitch has it all.'

'There's a lot to love about Slo Pitch: queer romance, secrets, turf wars, polyamory, sworn enemies, and of course, softball. What makes it even better is the series commitment to diversity and inclusion.'

'The cinematography of Hazy Little Thing, as the title suggests, is as delicate as sunlight through linen. Beautifully shot by J Stevens, it evokes the gauzy reveries of Jane Campion's films, but also it's the stuff of minimalist Instagram's dreams.'

'Best Canadian Short
SOFT SPOT – Director, J Stevens'