The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) and the Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC) have selected five female-identifying cinematographers for a newly launched comprehensive two-week cinematography program.

The Cinematography Intensive, which began on Aug. 12, is held in collaboration with the 2024 Norman Jewison Film Program residents and is supported by the Paul Bronfman Family Foundation. The goal of the program is to assist the five directors of photography (DOPs) with their narrative storytelling, teamwork and technical skills while also helping develop their network.

The DOPs are taking part in workshops and meetings led by CSC cinematography mentors Zoe Dirse and Arthur Cooper. They are also working with writers, directors, producers and editors participating in the 2024 Norman Jewison Film Program labs to shoot original productionsto use for their reels.

The five DOPs named for the program are Emma Djwa (My Extinct Love for You), Iris Ng (Stories We Tell), Claire Sanford (Curl Power); Kaayla Whachell (Portraits from a Fire) and Paola Contreras (Going Down).

“We hope these cinematographers will feel empowered to push boundaries and elevate their storytelling skills, ultimately enriching the Canadian film and TV industry,” said CFC board member Paul Bronfman in a statement.

The Cinematography Intensive is also supported through in-kind services and equipment from Keslow Camera Toronto, Urban Post and Sunbelt Rentals.

Pictured (L-R): Kaayla Whachell, Claire Sanford, Paola Contreras, Iris Ng and Emma Djwa

Photo Courtesy of CSC, The Paul Bronfman Family Foundation and the CFC