Trans Film Mentorship
About Us
The Trans Film Mentorship (TFM) is a nonprofit organization that runs hands-on career development programming for trans and nonbinary people with the goal of increasing the presence of trans filmmakers, key creatives, and crew in the film and television industry.
The TFM’s founding partnership was with the TIFF 2022 selected feature film Something You Said Last Night, directed and written by Sundance award-winning director Luis De Filippis. The program has since partnered with the Peabody Award-winning HBO/CBC show Sort Of, created by Zaiba Baig; Banger Films on Any Other Way, the award-winning documentary about trans icon Jackie Shane, executive produced by Elliot Page and Netflix on Wayward from Sphere Media and created by Mae Martin.
Mission
To increase the presence of trans and non-binary professionals in the film and television industry by providing paid, work integrated training and mentorship opportunities for emerging and entry-level professionals.
Vision
A film and television industry where trans and non-binary professionals can access, sustain, and advance meaningful careers
Core Principles
Paid Access: Participants are compensated as part of professional production teams.
Work Integrated Learning: Skills are developed through real, on set experience.
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Responsiveness: Programming is adapted to participant and industry needs.
Community Care: Participants receive mentorship, coaching, and wellness support.
Equity-Informed Selection: Priority is given to individuals facing the greatest barriers to entry.
Our Team
Gabrielle Zilkha (she/her)
Luis De Filippis (she/her)
CO-FOUNDERS
The TFM is led by filmmakers Luis De Filippis and Gabrielle Zilkha. Their work includes De Filippis’ Sundance-winning short, For Nonna Anna and debut feature, Something You Said Last Night which received the TIFF Change Maker award, and Zilkha’s Queering the Script which received the Outfest Special Programming award and the Iris Prize shortlisted, Stop Calling Me Honey Bunny.
When they are not creating their own films they are collaborating with productions to ensure trans and non-binary filmmakers are building the experience needed to tell their own stories, and they have a great time doing it.
A.C. Birch (he/him)
PROGRAM LEAD
Nancy Pettinicchio (they/them, elle)
PROGRAM LEAD
Domini
Anderson (she/her)
Ronnie Ali (she/her)
WELLNESS COACH & INCLUSION TRAINER
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
A.C is a Toronto-based trans filmmaker, producer, and comedian best known for his works A Queer's Guide to Spiritual Living (2023) and Driftwood (2026). His lived experience as a trans industry professional makes him well positioned to support participants in building confidence, readiness, and professional pathways with TFM.
Nancy Pettinicchio is an Italian-Canadian filmmaker from Tiohtià:ke/Montréal currently living in Tkaronto/Toronto. Their films explore queer identity, intergenerational relationships, and HIV/AIDS and have screened at 30+ festivals around the world. Their industry experience and love of being on set makes Nancy a natural fit to lead TFM’s mentorship programs.
Domini is a film and television professional, primarily known for her work as a production designer (Jane, 2021-22) and art director (Apparatus, 2026; The Borderline, 2024; Star Trek: Discovery, 2020). With over 15 years of set experience, her collaborative approach and commitment to community care make her a strong fit to support trainees, supervisors, and production partners in TFM programs.
Ronnie is a Registered Psychotherapist and inclusion consultant with more than 15 years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility work. As TFM’s wellness coach and inclusion trainer, Ronnie provides participants with practical psychosocial support while also helping production teams create safer, more inclusive working environments.