WIFT-T is pleased to announce emerging writer/director/producer Simonee Chichester (pictured) as winner of the 2012 Kodak New Vision Mentorship.

Chichester will receive coaching and mentorship from Tamara Shannon, Vice President of Marketing at Entertainment One Films Canada, and Ingrid Veninger, internationally-acclaimed producer/director (I am a good person/I am a bad person, Modra). The sessions will focus on the business and creative development of Chichester’s current feature film project, Merv.

“Through the Kodak New Vision Mentorship, emerging female filmmakers get the chance to learn from the best in this business,” says Heather Webb, WIFT-T Executive Director. “WIFT-T is thrilled to play a role in the advancement of women’s careers and would like to thank Kodak Canada for their ongoing partnership.”

Now in its eighth year, the national competitive Kodak New Vision Mentorship provides an eligible WIFT-T member with full registration to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the chance to prepare for the fest through one-on-one sessions with industry mentors.

In the lead-up to TIFF, Chichester will work with Veninger and Shannon on the creative and business development plans for Merv, including scheduling meetings with key project collaborators and executive producers.

“Our continued partnership with WIFT-T, and the ongoing success of the Kodak New Vision Mentorship, allows us to offer support to talented Canadian directors,” says Rhonda Lockwood, Kodak Canada Entertainment Imaging Account Manager. “Having the expertise of industry professionals such as Tamara Shannon and Ingrid Veninger to foster the vision of an emerging female filmmaker emphasizes the importance of the Kodak New Vision Mentorship.”

A graduate of the Canadian Film Centre’s Director’s Lab, Chichester has written, directed and produced fiction and non-fiction for the web, film and television, including her critically acclaimed documentary, Chichester’s Choice. Her recently-released CBC short, My Guy, is currently being submitted to film festivals around the world.

As part of the program, Chichester will receive a $5,000 credit for the purchase of Kodak Motion Picture film stock and a Kodak digital camera valued at $500. She will be acknowledged at the Crystal Awards Gala Luncheon on December 4th in Toronto.

For Chichester’s full bio, click here. To learn more about this year’s Kodak New Vision mentors, click here.

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For more information, please contact:

Katy Swailes
Communications Officer
Women in Film & Television – Toronto (WIFT-T)
416-322-3430 ext. 226
kswailes@wift.com