City of Vaughan

Talent City Vaughan is a first-of-its-kind municipal workforce development initiative that supports purpose-driven training initiatives across Vaughan. The 2025 cohort of grant recipients offers a host of in-demand training programs for Vaughan residents and employees of Vaughan-based businesses – like The Vaughan International Film Festival‘s Inspiring Future Filmmakers Seminar Series!

The Program

VFF’s Inspiring Future Filmmakers (IFF) seminar series returns on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as a oneday, online training experience featuring two live seminars. Each 2.5-hour session includes a moderated speaker discussion, a technical demonstration, and a Q&A with participants. Moderated by Dr. Sarah Bay-Cheng, Professor of Emerging Technologies & Performance at the University of Toronto, the seminars will explore sound post-production with Emmy-nominated Bernard Weiser, and picture editing with a member of American Cinema Editors (ACE). Participants will gain hands-on insights and tools to pursue careers in editing, post-production, and sound design.

About The Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF)

Founded in 2013, the Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF) is a not-for-profit cultural organization dedicated to supporting emerging and established filmmakers. Guided by its vision to illuminate the creative spirit in all of us, and its mission to create opportunities through the power of short film, VFF connects creators with audiences and industry professionals through annual screenings, educational seminars, financial contributions to high schools and emerging artists, and community initiatives. Committed to mentorship, creativity, and excellence, VFF offers a platform for local and global talent to showcase their work and advance their careers.

As Vaughan’s flagship film festival, VFF is deeply rooted in the local creative economy, hosting events at community venues like the Studios at Assembly Park and partnering with local schools and cultural organizations. By providing hands-on training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, VFF’s programs help local youth and residents access meaningful career pathways in film, television, and digital media. Through Talent City Vaughan support, VFF continues to foster homegrown talent and strengthen Vaughan’s reputation as a hub for arts, culture, and workforce development.