Meet our 2026 AIFF Filmmaker Lab Cohort!

Now in its fourth year, the AIFF Filmmaker Lab continues to support emerging filmmakers from across Atlantic Canada through mentorship, industry insight, and hands-on development. This year’s cohort brings together a diverse group of creators working across disciplines, forms, and perspectives, each exploring new ways of storytelling rooted in identity, community, and creative expression.

Presenting the 2026 AIFF Filmmaker Lab Cohort!
(Presented by RBC Foundation)

Griffin O’Toole

Griffin O’Toole is a self-taught director, photographer, and editor based in Kjipuktuk (Halifax). Known for their award-winning music video work, Griffin has received “Video of the Year” at both the ECMA and Music Nova Scotia Awards, as well as “Best Narrative” at the 2024 Toronto International Music Video Festival. With a strong visual sensibility and narrative instinct, Griffin is looking forward to expanding their practice and collaborating with fellow filmmakers through the Lab.

Mel Hennigar

Mel Hennigar is a Halifax-based filmmaker whose work is driven by the belief that the right story can shift perspectives. With experience as a producer and production manager across commercial, narrative, and documentary projects, she has also written and directed short films including TAKE CARE and SHIRT!. Mel is particularly drawn to stories of complex women, exploring themes of identity, contradiction, and resilience.

Brandy Marien

Brandy Marien is a Halifax-based filmmaker whose creative path began in makeup artistry before transitioning into film. A lifelong fan of cinema, particularly horror, she brings a bold visual approach to storytelling. Her debut short film ACCISMUS, which she wrote, directed, and starred in, draws from her lived experience as a trans woman, exploring vulnerability, visibility, and the search for connection.

Rebecca E. Tremblay

Rebecca E. Tremblay is a trilingual writer, director, producer, and actor based in Fredericton. Her award-winning work has screened across Canada and the US and has been supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and CBC Atlantic. As the founder of Elmire Films, Rebecca is committed to amplifying women’s voices in film. Her storytelling is known for its emotional depth and focus on the lived experiences of women.

Kaelen MacDonald

Kaelen MacDonald is a queer multidisciplinary artist based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax, working across film and theatre. With a background as an award-winning costume designer, her approach to storytelling is deeply visual, rooted in bold aesthetics and world-building. Her experience spans television, theatre, and independent productions, and she continues to develop her voice as an emerging writer and filmmaker.

Mark MacDonald

Mark MacDonald is a Halifax-based film and television professional whose career spans independent productions, network television, and major studio films. Having worked in British Columbia on projects such as Deadpool and Star Trek Beyond, Mark brings a wealth of production experience to his creative practice. Since returning to Nova Scotia, he has continued developing original projects while working across regional productions.

Philly Gannon

Philly Gannon is a long-time creative in Halifax’s entertainment scene, with over 30 years of experience across music, podcasting, and film. From his roots in hip-hop to producing and hosting Eh! We Started A Podcast, Philly’s work reflects a passion for storytelling and collaboration. After stepping into filmmaking, he co-founded G.A.M.E. Productions and continues to write and produce original film projects.

Mark Gallant

Mark Gallant is a filmmaker and musician from Nova Scotia whose work spans directing, cinematography, and composition. His recent films The Fish and Overdue reflect a hands-on, collaborative approach to independent filmmaking. Alongside his film work, Mark continues to explore music and storytelling, drawing inspiration from the landscapes and communities around him.

Nathan Lacroix

Nathan Lacroix is a Black queer filmmaker based in Prince Edward Island, originally from The Bahamas. His work centers BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ experiences, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and community. With experience across multiple production roles, Nathan is also deeply engaged in community programming. Through the Lab, he continues developing The Co-Op, an original short-form series.

Dustin Harvey

Dustin Harvey is a Dartmouth-based artist working across film, theatre, and immersive performance. As the founder of XOSECRET, he has created participatory works presented internationally, with projects featured at SXSW and IDFA DocLab. His transition into narrative filmmaking continues with HOLIDAY, his first live-action short as a writer and director.

Ryan Gannon

Ryan Gannon is a filmmaker based in Nova Scotia whose passion for storytelling began at a young age. After winning a provincial video competition that led to directing a music video, Ryan built his experience across production roles including assistant director and director’s shadow. He continues to develop original projects, focusing on collaborative storytelling and creative growth within the local industry.

Alenne Adekayode

Alenne Adekayode is a filmmaker and visual artist born and raised in North End, Halifax. Alenne recently returned to Halifax after completing her degree in Communication Studies with a focus in filmmaking from Concordia University. During her time at the university, Alenne developed her filmmaking skills by working with peers and making films abroad. Alenne is inspired by all things whimsical, D.I.Y., and make-believe. This inspiration is unmistakable in her storytelling style.

Over the coming months, these filmmakers will explore key areas including marketing, distribution, and festival strategy, guided by industry professionals. Their journey will include access to the Atlantic International Film Festival, one-on-one mentorship, and opportunities to connect with the broader screen industry.

As they continue to develop their work, this cohort represents the future of storytelling in Atlantic Canada, bold, diverse, and deeply connected to place and community.

The AIFF Filmmaker Lab is designed to welcome emerging filmmakers from Atlantic Canada to the world of festivals and film distribution, helping to demystify the festival experience and forging connections with established members of the film industry. Presented in partnership with RBC Emerging Artists, the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative and Warner Brothers Discovery Access Canada. Learn more about the program here.