CBC Films senior director Mehernaz Lentin has been appointed Telefilm’s new national director of feature film for the English market.

Her five-year term starts Dec. 6, 2021, replacing interim national director Lauren Davis, who had the role for nine months following the departure of longtime exec Stephanie Azam.

Lentin (pictured) has over two decades of industry experience as an independent producer, and has been at CBC since fall of 2017, overseeing the funding and pre-licensing of Canadian features for broadcast on CBC and streaming on Gem.

A Telefilm news release issued Monday (Nov. 22) says Lentin strengthened relationships with industry stakeholders to implement CBC Films’ mandate for diversity, inclusion and gender equality.

She also implemented a strategic direction at the CBC “that supported the funding of over 50 feature films that reflect, represent, and reframe a range of perspectives through contemporary character-driven stories that are at the heart of the Canadian experience,” says Telefilm.

Funded titles under her tenure include Tracey Deer’s Beans, Danis Goulet’s Night Raiders, Michael McGowan’s All My Puny Sorrows, Bruce LaBruce’s Saint Narcisse, Charles Officer’s Akilla’s Escape and Bretten Hannam’s Wildhood.

The federal agency says Lentin will report to René Bourdages, VP of cultural portfolio management, and will develop and implement “a feature film business plan aligned with Telefilm’s strategic objectives as well as the new realities of the film industry.”

Lentin’s appointment just over two weeks after the national film funder recently updated its production program guidelines for 2022 including eligibility around distribution and diverse languages.

The change is one of several Telefilm has made in recent months, after a “pan-Canadian consultation” meant to modernize and address issues including barriers to access and systemic racism.

Lentin has produced more than seven feature films, including Brotherhood, and was an executive producer on American Woman, commissioned by CBC Films. She’s also produced three feature-length documentaries and numerous short films. She began her career at the Canadian Film Centre in 1990, as an early member of the founding Programming team, and participated in the CFC’s 1993 Producer’s Lab.

Lentin will be based out of Telefilm’s Toronto office when it reopens. Telefilm’s regional feature film executives will report directly to her.

“Mehernaz’s wealth of experience at CBC Films and as a producer for twenty years is invaluable as we continue to foster greater access through our programs that support cultural resonance and audience engagement,” Bourdages said in Monday’s release.

Image courtesy of Telefilm.