AMPD Testimonials

AMPD cultivated a celebratory environment where we learned to value the process, through Finish Line, CineSiege, in-class screenings and discussions. That was one of the most valuable lessons in my eyes, learning to celebrate the work and the people around you along the way.

Heather Hedley (BFA ’26)
Canadian Screen Award winner, Achievement in Costume Design for Honey Bunch

My time at AMPD was filled with joy, learning opportunities, wonderful new friendships, and creativity. I had the chance to make films, which is what I truly love and cherish. The support from my teachers and my mentor, who always supported my enduring desire to write and create, meant a great deal to me. AMPD also provided me with everything I needed, both academically and equipment-wise. I loved my life at York and all the experiences I gained there. I grew as an artist and as a person, and that was the best part of it.

Samiramis Kia (BFA ’18)

My time at AMPD went beyond learning theory or skills, it gave me meaningful industry connections and experiences. The highly collaborative nature of working with other like-minded film production students was one of my highlights. The professors that I had the opportunity to learn from helped me realize that the path of becoming a director can be vastly different for everyone.

Alexander DeSouza (BFA ’18)
Film director, writer and co-founder
Former Assistant Editor on numerous features for CBC, ABC Disney, Crave, Paramount and Tubi

AMPD gave me the foundation to pursue a life as a Visual Artist. It provided not just the technical skills and access to industry tools, equipment, and studios, but the creative community, the mentorship, and the space to truly understand what I love and what I stand for as an artist. Having access to all this helped me develop my skills and the work I create today. The professors, peers, and environment pushed me to think deeply, experiment freely, and grow into myself as both a creative and a person. Courses in Art History deepened my understanding of artistic movements and styles in ways that shaped my own practice, while the interdisciplinary environment allowed me to connect with students across various creative disciplines. The friendships and creative circles I built at AMPD remain some of the most meaningful relationships in my life, and I am deeply grateful for everything my time there set in motion.

Victoria Moreno (BFA ’20)
Visual Artist & Creative Designer

What I like most about the Integrative Arts program is the flexibility and freedom to explore different aspects of the arts in a contemporary way. I knew I wanted to study the arts, but I didn’t want to choose just one stream. This program lets me take classes across departments like Theatre, Visual Arts and Digital Media, which has helped me discover interests I wouldn’t have explored otherwise.

Psalm Domingo
Third-year Integrative Arts Student

What stands out for me from York was the attention and support we received as students. Our program created a safe space to experiment and develop our voices as filmmakers. That freedom to take risks and refine our perspective was formative, and it’s wonderful to see alumni from the program now spreading their wings in a big way. Read our feature on Jack’s journey.

Jack Weisman (BFA ’15)
Director, Cinematographer & Producer
Grand Jury Prize Winner, 2026 Sundance Film Festival

What stands out about my time at York is the relationships. We made many close friends that we continue to work with to this day. It’s important to work with collaborators you trust and who believe in your work, and those relationships can take years to develop. It becomes harder to form those bonds as you grow older. York was like this primordial soup where many of those initial creative connections began. Read our feature on Gabriela’s journey.

Gabriela Osio Vanden (BFA ’16)
Director, Cinematographer & Producer
Grand Jury Prize Winner, 2026 Sundance Film Festival

My time at AMPD as both a master’s and doctoral student was a crucial part of my development as a composer and musician. As a student, I developed several compositions and concepts that synthesized my musical influences, and the music of Immersed is a direct continuation of that journey. My professors supported me in pushing the boundaries of my creative process while learning to see potential through multiple critical lenses. Read our feature on Justin’s journey.

Justin Gray (MA ’14)
Composer, Bassist & Producer
Grammy Award Winner, Best Immersive Audio Album

Most training is foundational for an artist and York was no exception. At York I began to develop both my creative practice as well as my voice as an artist. I'm grateful for the four years of exploration. I also think theatre school is a great training ground for long hours, and a rigid schedule. That was helpful when I left and started booking work.

Nadine Bhabha (BFA ‘16)
Actor, Heated Rivalry (2025)
Canadian Screen Award Winner