SPONSORS 2025
Community Partners
Welcome to the 23rd Female Eye Film Festival
It's not often FeFF dedicates a theme to the festival. The films submitted inform the shape of FeFF’s programs as do the people on the front line of the festival. This year the theme of "Resilience" spoke to us. Resilience is reflected in the Photo Exhibit, which we're delighted to bring back to kick-off the festival this year. It is the invisible thread linking the films we’re presenting from around the world. Resilience is in the zeitgeist. It carries weight and gives us pause. Resilience is quite possibly one of the most essential human qualities in times of strife and suffering. Here's to resilience!
I want to thank the Board of Directors, our tireless team, and all the volunteers for their dedication and commitment to FeFF’s vision. FeFF 2025 would not have been possible without the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council, I.A.T.S.E 873, Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, Actra Fraternal Benefits (AFBS), Sunbelt Rentals, CIUT 89.5fm and inkcanada. We thank them for their generous support, particularly in a period where many organizations have seen a retraction due to current turbulent times. And thank you to our community partners with whom we stand tall and proud, in solidarity.
Lastly, but certainly not least, I thank the artists - the filmmakers, screenwriters and photographers for their courage to create and for entrusting us with their work.
Upward and Onward!
Leslie Ann Coles (She/her),
Founder, Executive/Artistic Director, The Female Eye
Welcome to the 23rd Female Eye Film Festival!
My time as chair has been incredibly rewarding and as I reflect with pride on all we have accomplished together, one word springs to mind: RESILIENCE!
I would like to thank Leslie-Ann Coles, Founder and Artistic Director for all she has accomplished and will continue to do, guiding this important, international festival to new heights.
I would also like to thank our generous sponsors, community partners, our board members Martin Harbury, Christine Argyris and Tushar Unadkat, and our tireless, dedicated volunteers.
Last but certainly not least, the filmmakers and artists, whose voices are needed now more than ever.
With deep respect,
Angela Argento,
FeFF Chair Emeritus
OAC’s Female Eye Film Festival Greeting.
On behalf of the Ontario Arts Council, I am pleased to welcome you to the Female Eye Film Festival (FeFF).
For over 20 years, FeFF has championed female filmmakers and elevated diverse
voices in cinema. We applaud their continued dedication to gender equity in the screen industries, and to providing a space where stories by, for and about women can shine on the big screen.
By attending this year’s festival, you are part of something extraordinary – because you are part of the 31 million participants who engage with the arts in Ontario each year. I hope the films you encounter here will leave you inspired and moved to champion the arts for a more vibrant Ontario.
Thank you to all for continuing to support the arts, and a big congratulations to everyone who worked tirelessly to put together another successful festival.
Simon Foster,
Chair, Ontario Arts Council.
IATSE 873 is proud to be a returning sponsor of the 23 rd Female Eye Film Festival. Year after year, the festival continues to create a platform to celebrate the incredible artistry of women in our industry, while inspiring future generations of female film makers.
As the Union Behind Entertainment, we endeavour to create safe, inclusive work environments that support the growth and success of our technicians, while supporting our talented artisans, and implementing strategies to evoke and sustain change from within. We are immensely proud of the contributions they make across our many departments to the Canadian film and television industry.
Congratulations to the FeFF team on another empowering festival, which we are pleased to continue to support.
Festivals like the Female Eye Film Festival play a vital role in connecting Canadian cinema with audiences at home and abroad. As showcases of our creativity and cultural identity, they strengthen the bond between filmmakers and audiences, here and around the world.
At Telefilm Canada, we support Canadian stories every step of the way, from development to distribution, through strong partnerships.
Beyond their screenings, festivals are places of dialogue, collaboration and exchange. We’re proud to partner with FeFF to celebrate the unifying power of cinema. Enjoy the festival!
Executive Director and CEO, Telefilm Canada.
AFBS is honoured to continue its support of the Female Eye Film Festival as it celebrates its 23rd year. Since its founding in 2001, FeFF has led the way in amplifying the voices of Canadian female directors and advancing inclusion, equity and diversity in film. The festival’s strength lies not only in the stories it shares, but also in the community it nurtures.
As a community partner in Canada’s creative sector, AFBS is a fraternal organization that is not driven by profit. We provide insurance benefits and retirement savings plans to performers and screenwriters throughout all stages of their careers. We also support self-employed Canadian artists by offering affordable insurance options, contribute to industry-related charitable initiatives and championing Canadian arts by sponsoring events like FeFF.
Female filmmakers have faced ongoing barriers and have been historically underrepresented in the film industry. FeFF continues to play a pivotal role in amplifying their voices, showcasing vital perspectives and driving change that resonates far beyond the screen and its programming.
On behalf of AFBS, we celebrate FeFF’s ongoing impact and are proud to stand alongside the festival once again. Thank you for inviting us to be part of this remarkable journey.
Enjoy the festival, everyone.
Sincerely,
President & CEO, AFBS.
As the festival celebrates its 21st edition, Ontario Creates is pleased to be a long-time supporter the Female Eye Film Festival!
For over two decades, FeFF has been a vanguard championing women filmmakers. This year’s program continues that legacy with bold, original and thought-provoking work from around the globe, including diverse stories that enrich our cultural landscape and challenge us to see the world through new and vital perspectives.
Ontario Creates is proud to support the festival’s professional development programming with expert panels, workshops, master classes and networking sessions, all designed to empower and elevate women in the screen industry.
On behalf of the Ontario Creates Board and staff, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the featured filmmakers and the dedicated festival team who have curated another stellar lineup that showcases the power and brilliance of women in film.
Wishing everyone an inspiring and unforgettable festival experience!
Karen Thorne-Stone,
President and CEO, Ontario Creates.
