Few people understand the importance of the arts and culture sector as well as Cameron Bailey. He is CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) - the world's largest public film festival and one of Canada's premier cultural brands. Under his strategic direction, the festival continues to grow in size and significance each year.
Bailey began his career as a film critic. He also curated films for Cinematheque Ontario, The National Gallery of Canada, The National Film Board of Canada, and Australia’s Sydney International Film Festival before joining TIFF in 1990. He began as a programmer selecting Canadian films before moving on to African and South Asian cinema. He’s responsible for TIFF’s highly successful subscription series, Reel Talk, and also headed TIFF’s Perspective Canada series and founded its Planet Africa section.
Bailey has taught film curation at the University of Toronto and holds an honorary doctorate from Western University. He is a Chevalier in France’s Order of Arts and Letters, member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science, and for 12 consecutive years been named one of “Toronto’s 50 Most Influential People” by Toronto Life.
Cameron Bailey
Issa is a dynamic digital marketing expert with over a decade of experience in crafting innovative campaigns that drive brand growth and engagement. With a unique ability to blend creativity and strategy, he has spent the last four years producing compelling social media content for businesses, helping them connect with their audiences through impactful storytelling and cutting-edge technologies.
A true polymath, Issa leverages his expertise in AI tools to conceptualize ideas through storyboards, pitch decks, and concept trailers. His ability to seamlessly integrate AI into his creative process has earned him recognition as a catalyst for modern marketing solutions.
As a proud neurodivergent creator and ENFP, Issa thrives on inspiring others and breaking conventional limits in marketing and storytelling. He is passionate about using his platform to amplify underrepresented voices, particularly within African and diasporic communities.
Marieme is a host, actress, and singer-songwriter who is never short on ideas. She first made an impression as a VJ on Musique Plus and as the host of 3 filles célibataires on VRAK. Since then, her energy and boundless creativity have propelled her into numerous hosting roles, including Tout inclus (ICI Télé), Le cœur sur le flow (La Fabrique Culturelle), De par chez nous (Unis TV), and Ma première place des arts (MATV). On radio, her voice has resonated on Dutrizac 6@9 (QUB Radio) and La route des 20 (ICI Première).
A committed artist and advocate for diversity and inclusion, Marieme founded Les nouveaux modèles in 2018, an inspiring initiative connecting cultural community figures with elementary and high school students. As a producer at St-Laurent TV, she has contributed to series such as Bon matin Chuck and Les mal-aimants.
With her album Mario, Marieme makes a powerful return with an introspective and unapologetic project blending pop, hip-hop, and R&B, where she embraces her identity and champions a collective awakening for a more inclusive Quebec. Whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, Marieme embodies energy, passion, and commitment.
Dédy Bilamba is a high-level marketing manager with a rich and diverse background spanning three continents, known for his unique career path.
Throughout his journey, Dédy has demonstrated his versatility and creativity in diverse roles, including Partnership Manager at Stade de France, Communications Advisor at the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, and Brand Manager for KFC Côte d’Ivoire. His ability to thrive in different environments is driven by a consistent thread—his creative approach to tackling challenges.
A passionate advocate for culture, Dédy is also the author of three books and has written short film scripts.
For the past five years, he has worked in television and cinema in Quebec, contributing to prestigious institutions such as the Vues d'Afrique International Film Festival and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (Quebec section).
Dédy also serves on the Board of Directors of the Dynastie Foundation, further showcasing his commitment to cultural advocacy and community impact.
Despite having lived in the diaspora from a young age, Dédy maintains a deep connection to Africa. In 2022, alongside his partner Éric M'boua, he co-founded Afro VFX, a groundbreaking initiative with the mission of revolutionizing African cinema and television.
Afro VFX aims to develop a competitive ecosystem for VFX (Visual Effects) on the continent, helping amplify African stories and bring them to a global audience.
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