Hosted By:

Cierrah gibbs

She is a student at Toronto Film School (Online), in a Diploma program for Video Production. Cierrah has always had a passion for film and television and is excited to be a member of the NBFC, where she can meet like-minded individuals, who are equally passionate about the arts.

Asha Bear

A multifaceted artist, filmmaker, and screenwriter with a passion for storytelling. In 2023, she completed her Certificate in Film Production at the University of New Brunswick. She did documentary work with CBC in 2022, and she has also created several independent films. Asha is dedicated to promoting accurate and respectful representations of Indigenous peoples on screen, having recently participated in the CBC New Indigenous Voices program, presented by the National Screen Institute in Winnipeg in August 2023. Currently, Asha just wrapped her latest project, 'A Walk in My Moccasins,' which received funding from the New Brunswick Film Co-op, artsnb and the Jane LeBlanc Legacy Fund. This project showcases her commitment to telling important stories that showcase the Indigenous experience.

Drew Gilbert

“I am an emerging filmmaker and cinematographer. I work as an instructor at the NB College of Craft and Design, and I have been bringing my filmmaking experience back to the classroom for our students.  Last year I started screenwriters’ group much like this one but would like to change roles from leadership to a participant.  I have written numerous scripts as part of this group but would appreciate feedback from other screenwriters and filmmakers”.

Louis A. Bryan

“A storyteller, comedian, writer, performer, and educator from Trinidad and Tobago who is based in Fredericton. Anthony is passionate about film, television, and theatre and is an active member of his local arts scene.

He is juggling several projects and sees the cafe as a chance to let other voices in the scene influence his work. He is working toward creating inclusive art spaces for immigrant and racialized storytellers. This year, he is working on low-stakes love stories, writing about home and a deeper appreciation for trashy fan fiction.”

Rene Ross

“I am in the process of writing my screenwriting play for a short series, influenced by real events.  My story is highlighted by romance, magic and a touch of fantasy, in a town that many suspect is cursed. My screenplay is influenced by the events of the mining disasters in my hometown of Springhill Nova Scotia, and the aftermath.”

Ibrahim Al-Faki 

New Film Co-op member Ibrahim Al-Faki is a young aspiring filmmaker with a passion for creating unique and diverse stories that connect with people and take the audience on an introspective journey.

John Mundle

“I am a two-time winner of the Praxis Screenwriters' Fellowship, now known as the Whistler Screenwriters' Lab. I also won the Scriptapalooza TV Pilot Competition, and had my work performed live as part of the Anza Club Cold Reading series and the Alibi Unplugged Live Reading Series, where I served as part of the script evaluation committee. I received the Short Film Venture grant last year for my script, Caregivers, which I directed in February, and which is currently being submitted to festivals. My plan is to expand that short into a feature, so a writers' group like this would be a valuable way to receive different perspectives on the work in progress.”

jo Charnock

“As a person who thrives on solving problems, what I really want is to sit in a writer’s room, bouncing ideas back and forth with like-minded creatives. In December I received my Writing for Film & Television Associate Diploma with distinction from Toronto Film School. I have written a horror feature, a sit-com pilot and a one-hour drama pilot. I'm currently working on a dark comedy and a rom-com, which are both still in the beat sheet stage. Collaboration with fellow students and instructors at Toronto Film was an invaluable part of the writing process and one which I would very much like to replicate through participation in the Screenwriter's Cafe.”

Mel McCarthy

Mel McCarthy is a writer/producer based in Atlantic Canada.  She creates opportunities and powerful stories to show and tell audiences that each of us holds power for change.  Twenty years in salaried positions enabled her to develop and refine her storytelling skills. Currently, she uses these transferable skills in short films, music, and performance. Mel has won prizes in essay and poetry contests, a Short Film Venture grant, and the NBFC Volunteer Award (now known as the Brian Carty Volunteer Award). She participated three times in the PEI Screenwriters’ Boot Camp.

Tammy Boyer

“I love to entertain and have always been a storyteller. My passion for film started at an early age and continues to grow with each film project I undertake. I have made many shorts with my cell phone over the years, and since hitting 50, I have so many more stories to tell. With two children 18 years apart and both on the spectrum, I have tons of material to write from and hope to see my stories come to life. I will continue to pursue opportunities to sharpen my filmmaking skills. I am a Jane LeBlanc Filmmaker Award Recipient and Short Film Venture Recipient for two of my short film projects.”