MARKHOR

MENTORSHIP

ABOUT

Markhor Mentorships are an annual program founded by producer Shehrezade Mian. Each year, one filmmaker is selected for a tailored, one-on-one mentorship in filmmaking. The program combines creative guidance with producing strategies to help build lasting careers in Canada.'

This program is free of charge.

Who It’s For

Open to filmmakers of South Asian, Muslim, or Middle Eastern descent/heritage living and working in the Greater Toronto Area.

Especially intended for immigrant filmmakers, but Canadian-born applicants from these communities are also welcome.

Eligibility:

  • Based in the GTA

  • Visa holder, PR, or Canadian citizen

  • Commitment to filmmaking demonstrated through one or more of the following:

    • Education or diploma in Film/TV

    • Relevant work history in the screen industry

    • Body of work showing dedication

  • Pursuing a career in Producing or Directing

WHY IT EXISTS

South Asians are the largest visible minority in Canada, yet there is no organization advocating for their representation in film and television. Muslim and Middle Eastern filmmakers also continue to face systemic barriers. As a result, on-screen and behind-the-camera representation remains abysmally low.

Markhor Mentorships were created to:

  • Champion authentic South Asian, Muslim, and Middle Eastern voices

  • Provide hands-on mentorship in producing, directing, and project development

  • Build long-term visibility and opportunities for these communities in Canada’s film industry

Impact

Since its launch, Markhor Mentorships have:

  • Helped mentees secure grants and fellowships

  • Supported the production of award-winning shorts and features

  • Connected filmmakers with labs, festivals, and industry partners

  • Opened long-term pathways for South Asian, Muslim, and Middle Eastern filmmakers in Canada

How To Apply

A new round of applications opens each December for the following calendar year. The next selection will take place in December 2026, for the 2027 mentorship year.

Applications can only be submitted once the portal is live. To stay updated on dates and announcements, please follow @markhor.pictures on Instagram.

MEET PAST MENTEE’S

Meet the mentees from previous editions of the Markhor Mentorship.

  • Nawal Salim is a Canadian filmmaker, actress, and arts producer. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s MFA in Documentary Media, she has programmed cultural events with Ontario Culture Days and the Silk Road Institute, and her creative work explores Muslim representation in film and performance.

  • Toronto Arts Foundation – Mentor in Residence x Core Program
    Shehrezade worked with eight emerging artists from South Asian, Muslim, and Middle Eastern communities through the Toronto Arts Foundation’s Mentor in Residence x Core Program, providing career guidance, funding strategies, and creative development support.

  • The mentorship program was on pause this year.

  • Shaista Roshan– Producer
    Shaista Roshan is an Indo-Arab filmmaker and producer. A CFC Producers’ Lab alumna and participant in TIFF’s Big Pitch and the Creators of Color Incubator (2024), her recent producing credits include Karupy (Toronto International Film Festival 2025). She has also worked on major international series including Tokyo Vice (HBO Max), The Greatest(Amazon), and Brilliant Minds (NBC).

  • Maytham Jabbara – Producer
    Maytham Jbara is an Iraqi-Canadian writer and producer based in Toronto. A graduate of the University of Baghdad’s Cinema and Television program, his credits include Hanging Gardens (Venice Film Festival 2022, Special Mention; Seattle International Film Festival 2023, New Directors Competition Winner) and award-supported films backed by Telefilm Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Red Sea Film Festival.