The International Film Festival of Ottawa’s (IFFO) Screen Summit is dedicated to strengthening and inspiring Ottawa's growing screen-based industries while addressing topics relevant to all film industry professionals. Join thought leaders for an insightful and inspirational series of panels, gaining access to key industry representatives and the talent and skills of the local production community. This industry event consists of informative workshops, artist talks and presentations that strengthen the skill set of emerging and established film industry professionals in Canada’s Capital.
Previous Editions:
2025
On Friday, March 21, 2025, Screen Summit returned to the Ottawa Art Gallery as part of IFFO, presented in partnership with Ontario Creates and the Canada Media Fund, with support from Welch LLP, DGC Ontario, IATSE Local 634, and Affinity Production Group. The program included Funding Foundations: How to Finance Your Creative Projects, presented by Welch LLP and moderated by Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos, featuring Erin Creasey (Ontario Creates), Daniel Rodriguez (Bell Fibe TV1), Ernest White II (Presidio Pictures), and Penny McCann. An in-conversation session spotlighted award-winning filmmaker Karen Chapman, moderated by Rosey Ugo Edeh (Host of CTV Morning Live, Ottawa), following the IFFO screening of VILLAGE KEEPER. Additional programming included Meet the Documentary Filmmakers with Jamie Miller, Hoda Elatawi, and Joanne Robertson; a Lunch and Learn with DGC Ontario and IATSE Local 634; a DGC Ontario information session with Michelle Michals, Amber Munro, Claire McCracken, and Lisa Soper; and What’s the Tea on HOT FROSTY panel, moderated by Caitlin Delaney and featuring local producers and crew from 1Department Entertainment. The day concluded with a Networking Cocktail Reception, presented by Welch LLP, and access to the Ottawa Film Office Career Fair the next day.
2024
On Friday, March 22, 2024, Screen Summit took place at Arts Court, presented in partnership with Ontario Creates and the Canada Media Fund, bringing together industry professionals and emerging filmmakers. The day was headlined by Ottawa-born comedian, actor, and writer Tom Green, in conversation with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, presented in partnership with Porter Airlines.
Programming included Meet the Development Executives, moderated by Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos, featuring Sam Linton (Blue Ant Media), Keren Jackman (Gusto TV), and Georgia Shearman (CraveTV/CTV, Bell Media). Funding Your First Feature, presented by Welch LLP and moderated by Larisa Gutmanis, featured Jennifer Blitz (Ontario Creates), Melissa Amer (Telefilm Canada), and Tracey Doyle (CAVCO). The afternoon featured My Career with award-winning producer Lauren MacKinlay, interviewed by Emily Ramsay (DARC), followed by a Networking Cocktail Reception, presented by Welch LLP. The evening included the world premiere of Lisa Soper’s short film HAVE A GOOD DAY, presented in partnership with DGC Ontario, and a closing reception presented by 1Department celebrating Ottawa-made films.
2023
On Saturday, March 18, 2023, IFFO hosted its first in-person Screen Summit. Meet the Ottawa Film Resources, moderated by Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos, featured Christine Maki (CBC Ottawa), Emily Ramsay (DARC), Maissa Houri (Digi60), Amber Munro (DGC Ontario), and Gayle Nakamoto-Jancewicz (Algonquin College), highlighting local industry supports.
In the afternoon, DGC Ontario presented the Hometown Heroes fireside chat with Ottawa-born director Pat Mills (THE CHRISTMAS SETUP), interviewed by Vladimir Jean-Gilles (CBC). The evening included a screening of THE CHRISTMAS SETUP followed by the Christmas in March Party, presented by Welch LLP, featuring seasonal treats and a surprise visit from Santa Claus.
2022
On Friday, March 18, 2022, IFFO presented a virtual Screen Summit featuring talks, networking, and one-on-one meetings with industry executives. Guest speakers included Sort Of co-creators Fab Filippo and Bilal Baig, Catherine Mathys (Canada Media Fund), and Hometown Hero Kurt Smeaton, creator of CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING.
The program also offered 1:1 virtual pitch meetings with development and broadcast executives from CBC, Blue Ant Media, APTN, Warner Bros., and other industry partners, providing participants with direct access to decision-makers.