WIFT-T is pleased to announce Naomi Jaye as the recipient of the 2009 Kodak New Vision Mentorship.

“This is a really important next step for Naomi as her script has been in development for a little while,” said Sadia Zaman, Executive Director of WIFT-T. “The Kodak New Vision Mentorship will allow her to move a step closer to making her first dramatic feature. WIFT-T is thrilled to support the development of Canadian filmmakers through this award.”

“I am delighted to continue our partnership with WIFT-T in sponsoring the Kodak New Vision Mentorship,” says Trish Mehrasa, Kodak Canada Entertainment Imaging National Operations Manager. “Having the support and expertise of an industry leader such as Laurie May to help nurture the talent and vision of Canada’s female filmmakers underlines the importance of the Kodak New Vision Mentorship.”

Naomi Jaye

Naomi Jaye is an award-winning director whose roots in visual design bring a distinctive charm to her work that often focuses on the comedic side of human frailty. A graduate from the Canadian Film Centre’s Director’s Lab and a recent alumna of the Women in the Director’s Chair Master Class, her short films have delighted festival audiences around the world.

Naomi has recently finished the second draft of her narrative feature The Pin, with support from the Canada Council for the Arts, and is hard at work on her musical feature Waxing Poetic.

Naomi is also in development on two feature documentaries: Bollywood Jew, an outrageous journey exploring her obsession with Indian Cinema, and A Man’s World, a humorous look into the world of ethnic café’s in Toronto and Montreal populated exclusively by old men.

“I am so thrilled to have received the Kodak New Vision Mentorship,” said Naomi Jaye. “Filmmaking is unbelievably rewarding, but can be very challenging; it is wonderful to have the support and encouragement of WIFT-T and the amazing mentors they have brought on.”

The Kodak New Vision Mentorship is presented annually to a Canadian female director. Aside from creative and business skills, the mentorship also offers the opportunity to attend the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival through intensive industry coaching. The recipient also receives a $5,000 in-kind donation of Kodak Motion Picture film stock.

Presenting Partner