Speakers

Nayani Thiyagarajah

V.T. Nayani is a director, producer, and writer dedicated to stories for the screen. Her first feature documentary SHADEISM: DIGGING DEEPER (2015) had its World Premiere at the 2015 Zanzibar International Film Festival, where it received a Special Jury Recognition. In the spring of 2018, Nayani’s first feature drama as a director and co-writer, THIS PLACE, was selected as a recipient of Telefilm Canada’s inaugural Talent to Watch Program.

Lesley Birchard

Lesley Birchard is a storyteller who fuses television and digital production success with a passion for mentoring and inspiring the next generation of content creators. As Executive in Charge of Production for CBC Docs at Canada’s public broadcaster, Lesley spearheaded CBC’s digital-first strand CBC Short Docs, commissioning documentary content from emerging Canadian filmmakers.

Mélanie Lê Phan

Mélanie Lê Phan has worked for CBC Television in both Scripted and Unscripted programming since 2013. She is currently an Executive in Charge of Production for Scripted Digital Originals for CBC, overseeing production and development of mid-length series for CBC Gem and of social video series for CBC Comedy.

Michelle McCree

Michelle McCree is a Production Executive with CBC’s Unscripted department. She oversees a slate of programming including You Can’t Ask That, Family Feud Canada, Back In For Winter and Still Standing.

Monique Van Remortel

Monique Van Remortel is the Senior Director of Business & Rights for Unscripted Programming at the CBC. Monique oversees the business deals for the development and production of CBC and Documentary Channel’s commissioned documentaries as well as CBC’s commissioned Factual and Arts programming.