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)

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

I love how the program balances hands-on learning with theory. As much as you’re writing and exploring ideas, you’re also refining technical skills and learning how to work behind the camera as part of a crew. We had opportunities to visit YUMMS at Cinespace Studios and talk to industry professionals and TV writers. It’s a very driven and collaborative environment where everyone wants you to succeed.

Daniela, third-year Film Production student

The media industries are constantly evolving, so you have to reinvent yourself to stay relevant. I credit the depth of my York education for giving me the perspective to understand new challenges and the agility to tackle them.

Michael Emberley (BFA Film Production, ’00)
Award-winning television editor

While studying at AMPD, my film professor Tereza Barta once told me my script was terrible, and it was maybe the best thing she could have done. It helped me realize how important criticism is if you ever want your work to get better.

Dusty Mancinelli (BFA ’07)

Screenwriter, Director and Producer. Several films shown at TIFF, including a feature film in 2025, with work also featured at Sundance, Berlinale and BFI London, earning recognition and awards worldwide.

The people we met that have since become collaborators is undoubtedly the most valuable thing. We met our Director of Photography at AMPD, and he has shot every one of our films since we began working together. As a young filmmaker, I had no idea what my voice was or what I had to say that was at all interesting or unique. Professor John Greyson was instrumental in guiding me towards finding the stories inside me and exploring what I had that was distinctive.

Madeleine Sims-Fewer (BFA ’08)

Actor, Director and Screenwriter. Several films shown at TIFF, including a feature film in 2025, following recognition at festivals such as Sundance and Berlinale.

From amazing professors to the fellow classmates who I continue to collaborate with to this day, my experience and friendships at York have been very important in my journey.

Yong Zong (MFA ’18)

Editor and Filmmaker, with work featured at TIFF in 2025