Mental Health and Self Care for Filmmakers
Location: RPFF Studios, Daniels Spectrum
In this industry session, our panel will discuss mental health resources and self-care in the workplace, for productions with big and small budgets. What are some systemic changes needed to foster a healthy on-set environment for cast and crew? What are new resources developing and available to filmmakers to prioritize mental health, especially when working with difficult content? Hear from filmmakers and some new on-set roles advocating for this support.
Speakers and panelists
Hannah Yohannes Moderator
Hannah Yohannes is an Eritrean director & screenwriter who recently directed a CFC project called “The Crown” with the talented composer, Kaia Kater. She studied script writing at Michigan State University & was named as Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2022 for her film work, advocacy and arts programming.
Nadia George Panelist
Nadia George is an award-winning Indigenous actor, activist, and therapeutic performance coach using her skills to support film and commercial campaigns like Ronald McDonald House, and on the set of Little Bird (Crave TV). Additionally she is a certified trauma clinician, with over a decade of professional experience in the social service sector.
Sedina Fiati Panelist
Proudly Black and queer, Sedina Fiati is an artist and activist for stage and screen. Sedina was the Associate Producer – Equity Diversity and Inclusion for Pretty Hard Cases Season 3 and appears as Ese the Make Up Artist in Season 1and 2 of Tokens. They were recently awarded ACTRA Toronto Lifetime Membership.
Burcu Emeç Panelist
Burcu Emeç is a queer performer, director, and intimacy coordinator. She completed extensive training with HBO’s Lead Intimacy Coordinator Alicia Rodis. Burcu believes depicting intimacy in a consent-forward approach can make it a joyful part of storytelling, and provides support to handle these scenes with both artistry and safety.
