On Thursday, May 16 at Rebel in Toronto, we were joined by Canada’s entertainment industry to celebrate The CFC Gala: DECADES, an annual fundraising gala in support of the next generation of Canadian storytellers. This year’s gala held a significant tribute as we honoured the life and legacy of beloved filmmaker and CFC founder Norman Jewison.
Guests went on a voyage through the decades to relive some of Norman’s career highlights and his remarkable contributions to the Canadian screen industry, including his journey as an acclaimed filmmaker to creating the Canadian Film Centre. Special thanks to the generous support of our gala sponsors, and guests; together, we raised more than $580,000! As our premier fundraising event, funds raised from the gala go towards entrance scholarships and the CFC’s mission to elevate extraordinary talent through our world-renowned programs.
Upon arriving at the gala, guests were welcomed to a bustling cocktail reception co-hosted by Shaftesbury and SPINVFX. Additionally, guests enjoyed some camera time posing against a lively step and repeat donning CFC’s all-new logo, symbolizing the launch of the organization’s official rebrand. Plus, CFC alumni took to “Norman’s Corner” for a one-on-one with CFC correspondences where they discussed everything CFC-related, from its impact on their careers to their fondest CFC memories to the importance of nurturing homegrown talent and shaping the future of Canadian storytelling.
Following the cocktail reception, gala-goers transitioned into the dining hall, where the evening’s festivities officially began. Gala emcees Traci Melchor and Omar Sachedina took to the stage to welcome everyone before introducing the panel of speakers, including President and Chairman of Shaftesbury and former CFC Chair Christina Jennings, CFC Executive Director maxine bailey, and Founding Partner, CEO and Executive Producer of SPIN VFX, Neishaw Ali, who was recently announced as the CFC’s new board chair. After welcoming our attendees, they spoke to the significance of the evening’s celebrations, sharing with the audience the impact their support has had on CFC alumni and continues to have on aspiring storytellers.
maxine paid tribute to the late filmmaker and CFC alumnus Charles Officer, highlighting his longstanding relationship with the CFC as well as his legacy as a leader in Black Canadian independent film. The audience was reminded that we were all joined together because of the vision, courage, and dedication of beloved filmmaker and CFC founder Norman Jewison. Norman, who passed away in January 2024, was an acclaimed filimmaker who founded the CFC in 1988 with the intention of meeting the need for a centre for advanced film studies in Canada, where Canadian creators could learn the medium of filmmaking and ultimately command a place on the world’s screens. Norman’s closest friends and colleagues, including board members and CFC alumni came together on film to present a touching tribute in his memory, which was presented to the 400+ guests in attendance, including Norman’s children and close relatives.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a 3-course meal while being serenaded by live performances from The Collective, CFC music lab alumna Adaline, and Juno-nominated roots contemporary artist Shakura S’Aida. Plus, they relished in onsite activations, including Air Canada’s photo experience, the Lipstick Lounge by MAC Cosmetics, and the official CFC Digital Auction, which featured exciting prizes and one-of-a-kind experiences in travel, dining, arts and culture packages, shopping, and more!
Photography by George Pimentel Photography
After dinner, the evening transitioned into CFC After Dark, the official gala after-party featuring live music from DJ Starting From Scratch. Partygoers dove into a musical journey set against the stunning Toronto skyline while immersing themselves in a musical odyssey spanning decades, filled with signature cocktails, a vibrant dance floor, and snacks from Kare Granola & Gelato Fresco.
A special thanks to our event committee, Paul Bronfman, Co-chair, Alfredo Romano, Co-chair, Kate Alexander Daniels, and more than 450 guests and organizations who supported this memorable fundraiser. As a charitable organization, your support fuels our mission to connect diverse Canadian voices and stories to screens around the world. Thank you for your continued support and for keeping Norman Jewison’s dream of enhancing Canadian creators and content alive! Till next year!
Photography by Julie Riemersma Photography
See more photos from The CFC Gala: DECADES here.
Thank you to our supporters:
Hosts and Platinum Partners: Shaftesbury, Spin VFX, The Paul Bronfman Family Foundation, Castlepoint Numa, Cineplex
Gold Partners: Cameron Pictures, Lark Productions, Goodmans, WildBrain, Blink49 Studios, PrimeVideo, DGC Ontario, Daniels Stephenson, RBC Emerging Artists, ICFF, AppleTV, AMC Networks, Hilary Smith
Silver Partners: The Norman & Margaret Jewison Foundation, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, KPMG, BFL Canada, Bell Media, Cinespace Toronto, Motion Picture Technicians, NABET 700-M UNIFOR, DarkSlope, Steven Denure, Front Row Insurance, The Walt Disney Studio, IATSE
Official Airline Partner: Air Canada
Event Supports: Coolab, Dean Davidson, Digital Mirror, ESP Inc., Kandl Artistique, MAC Cosmetics, Oliver & Bonacini, Resonator, Toasted Head, TPH
Print Partner: The Printing House
Media Partners: The Globe and Mail
Design partner: Super Duper
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