Humber Polytechnic’s Film and Television Production (FMTV) program celebrated its graduating class of 2026 with a graduate premiere showcasing the creative talents and hard work of this year’s graduating class of filmmakers.
The event, held at the campus, brought together students, industry professionals, faculty, and film enthusiasts to showcase original films, public service announcements, and the next generation of storytellers ready to step into Canada’s film and television industry.
The graduate premiere featured six original short films written, directed, and produced by students, alongside ten public service announcements ranging from scripted commercial-style pieces to documentary-inspired social messages.
Event producer and FMTV student Luca Ladisa said that the premiere serves as more than just a celebration, it’s a testament to the skills and dedication of the graduating cohort.
“The main goal is to showcase the up‑and‑coming talent of filmmakers entering the industry,” Ladisa said. “These students come from diverse backgrounds, and that diversity, combined with impressive skills in cinematography, sound design, and storytelling, makes this year’s work truly special.”
Students took charge of every step of the film-making process, from concept development and scriptwriting to production and post‑production.
Ladisa said that the only aspect not entirely student‑led was funding.
“Everything from pre‑production planning, finding locations, props, filming, editing, and sound design is done by the students themselves,” Ladisa said.
This year’s films featured a balance of tones, from light-hearted comedies to more serious, thought-provoking pieces.
“There’s almost an even split between comedic and more dramatic films,” Ladisa said. “Each one brings a unique voice, it’s hard to pinpoint a single trend because there’s so much variety and creativity.”
One of the films gaining buzz among peers and organizers was Mother Nature.
Meagan King, marketing manager and production manager on Mother Nature, talked about the challenges of working with large crews and demanding schedules.
“On Mother Nature, we had 16‑hour shooting days,” she said. “Teamwork and collaboration are essential, if one person slips, it can delay the entire shoot. But seeing it all come together has been incredibly rewarding.”
The graduate premiere also attracted attention from the film industry itself.
Ladisa said many industry guests attended, including members from the Directors Guild of Canada, representatives from Ontario Creates Green Screen, and production company professionals who have worked with the students during internships and placements.
These connections help bridge the gap between academic study and real‑world opportunities, an advantage Humber’s FMTV program strives to provide.
“This program is well‑known in the industry,” Ladisa said. “You’ll see Humber alumni on sets across the country. Having these strong films in your portfolio opens doors and gives you something substantial to show future employers.”
The graduating filmmakers have a special opportunity to share their work beyond the campus community.
On April 16, 2026, all six capstone films will be screened publicly at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, a historic cinema in downtown Toronto known for celebrating independent and documentary cinema.
Tickets to the April 16 screening at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema are free and currently available, giving the public a chance to support student filmmakers and experience these original films on the big screen.
King said people should come out, meet the creators, and engage with the work that students have been developing since the start of the academic year last September.
Ladisa said the audience should take away an appreciation for the class of 2026's talent and dedication. “This class is special and one to remember,” Ladisa said. “They’re talented, committed, and ready to make their mark on the industry.”
