Calgary Economic Development has appointed Adnaan Wasey as Calgary’s new film commissioner.

The Toronto-born, New York City-based Wasey (pictured) is currently the executive director of Brooklyn’s non-profit film exhibitor Rooftop Films, which he joined in April 2024. He will assume his role effective Aug. 1, although he will be in the city during the Calgary Stampede this month to engage with community members, according to a Wednesday (July 2) release.

Wasey succeeds Luke Azevedo, who became the CEO of Edmonton Screen in April.

Prior to joining Rooftop, Wasey had spent more than two decades in media. This includes serving as digital executive producer at American Documentary, the prodco behind PBS’ documentary strand POV. In 2016, he won an Emmy for the POV short Traffic Stop.

He worked as a consultant with The New York Times‘ Opinion video unit, where he helped develop initial strategy. He also contributed to Disney’s talent development initiative Disney Launchpad, and served as project manager at the Gotham Film and Media Institute (formerly known as the Independent Filmmaker Project).

In Canada, Wasey helped launch the Kingston Canadian Film Festival in 2001, serving as co-director and producer in its early years.

“Calgary is at a creative inflection point. The city offers everything today’s content creators and production houses need, with skilled local talent and crews, tools, landscapes, incentives, educational programs and an enviable quality of life. Beyond the practical, Calgary has something special – an entrepreneurial spirit and film-friendly approach that turns productions into partnerships,” said Wasey in a statement.

“I see an opportunity to help scale Calgary’s trajectory — building a sustainable, inclusive ecosystem that makes Calgary synonymous with creative excellence,” he continued.

Image courtesy of Calgary Economic Development