This panel discussion will address rising political polarization, the emotional toll of documenting contentious issues, and open discussions about the mental health challenges filmmakers face, promoting conversations about self-care and emotional well-being in the context of social justice filmmaking.
Truth Matters
A Critical Dialogues Series in a Post-Truth Era
This session will feature:
Allison Duke
Allison Duke, (aka “Golde”) is an award-winning documentary writer and director celebrated for fearless, socially resonant storytelling. Her upcoming works include TV doc, ‘Michelle Ross: Unknown Icon’ and Season 2 of Amanda Parris’ acclaimed series ‘For the Culture.’ Beyond her films, Duke co-founded the OYA Black Arts Coalition, where she mentors the next generation of Black filmmakers. She is the recipient of the 2024 Hot Docs Don Haig Award and the 2019 WIFT-Toronto Crystal Award for Mentorship.
Justine Pimlott
Justine Pimlott is a multiple award-winning Producer – most recently honoured with a prestigious Peabody Award for Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story. Justine has a long track record of amplifying marginalized stories and bringing them to the screen. In 2003 Justine co-founded Red Queen Productions to challenge gender norms and explore LGBTQ+ lives. At Red Queen, Justine directed and produced numerous feature documentaries.
Cristian Gomes
Cristian Gomes, the director of Queen of Canada, a film that follows the rise of conspiracy theorist and cult leader Romana Didulo through the eyes of her former followers, shedding light on the intersection of conspiracy theories and political extremism.
Cristian is also in development on a documentary with the NFB about a high-control religious cult in Canada, and is utilizing a framework for production that is trauma-informed and prioritizes mental health for participants
Moderated by Julian Carrington, Executive Director, Documentary Organization of Canada.
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Public Funder Panel
with Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and Toronto Arts Council
On Monday October 27, from 2-5 PM please join us for a free professional development session at Workman Arts’ adjacent CAMH Arrell Family Foundation Auditorium in downtown Toronto. Everyone is welcome. Please RSVP (link at the right) so we can ensure there’s enough snacks and coffee/tea.
We will be joined by guests from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council who will be explaining their programs and how they support artists in Deaf & Disability Arts in addition to information about Media Arts funding given the panel is being hosted as part of Rendezvous With Madness.
This event is geared toward individual creators (as opposed to organizations / collectives). Live captioning will be provided as well as a chill / decompression space.
Learn about funding priorities as well as grant processes with federal, provincial and municipal funding staff including:
Renata Soutter
Program Officer, Explore and Create (creation and dissemination of art), Canada Council for the Arts
Marc Fournel
Program Officer, Engage & Sustain and Supporting Artistic Practice, Canada Council for the Arts
Barbara Gilbert
Media Arts Officer, Ontario Arts Council
Sarah Miller-Garvin
Senior Coordinator, Grants Support, including Accessibility Grant, Toronto Arts Council
Dwayne Dixon
Associate Officer, Deaf & Disability Arts, Ontario Arts Council
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025
Workman Arts / Arrell Family Foundation Auditorium
1025 Queen Street West, 2nd floor, Toronto
2-5 PM
Snacks and refreshments provided.
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