Trans Film Mentorship
TFM x ROCKET FUEL
Applications Now Closed
The Opportunity
The Trans Film Mentorship (TFM) is launching our first program in Northern Ontario!
We’re partnering with Edge Entertainment and employment organizations in Sault Ste Marie to offer paid work-integrated training opportunities for emerging trans, non-binary and Two-Spirited professionals on the set of Rocket Fuel. Rocket Fuel is a feature film about Nora, a resilient 13-year-old in 2005 rural Ontario who balances her first job with the responsibility of caring for her younger brother and sister. This project is extra special because Rocket Fuel is written and directed by Jessie Posthumus, a former Trans Film Summit Short Film Award Finalist!
Applications open: Thursday, May 8, 2026
Applications close: Thursday May 28th (11:59PM EST)
Work Placement Dates: June 8, 2026 - July 24, 2026
Rate: $18/hr, 35-44hrs/week
Location: Training and Production will take place in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
This program is open to Ontario residents in and around Sault Ste. Marie and members of Garden River First Nation.
***Must be an Ontario resident to apply***
Program Details
The TFM Production Training Program is a work-integrated training program where participants will be placed to train and work in selected departments on set.
Phase 1: Production Preparedness - 1 week (hybrid)
Participants will participate in production preparedness training and soft skills development workshops led by the TFM team and guest instructors.
Phase 2: Train & Work on Set - 5 weeks (on location - 4-day work week + 3hr check-in on Friday)
Participants will train and work within their respective departments for five weeks, gradually increasing responsibilities, working towards full integration into crew. Standard on set days 10 hours.
Phase 3: Career Pathways Support - 2 weeks (part-time / virtual)
Participants are further supported with career planning sessions aimed at helping them define their career goals, plan their next steps, and learn how to leverage this unique experience to open doors to more opportunities.
Departments For Placement:
In the application, applicants will be able to identify which department(s) they are interested in.
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Camera
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Sound
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Costumes
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Grip
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Hair & Makeup (license required)
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Lighting
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Props
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Set Dec
We highly recommend that you research the departments you are interested in to familiarize yourself with the function of the department, the key roles and assess whether it’s a good fit for you.
Who Is This Program For?
This program is intended for folks who identify as trans, non-binary and Two-Spirited and who are:
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Passionate about pursuing a career in film and television production
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Self-motivated, eager to learn and able to take direction
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Available to work full-time from June 8, 2026 - July 24, 2026
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Can work 10-hour days on your feet and in the office as needed
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Capable of remaining flexible to last-minute changes in schedule with less than a day’s notice.
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Can engage in repeated physical labour (eg lifting up to 25lbs) without compromising their health
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Over 18 years old
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Candidates with a driver’s license (G2 or G) are preferred
While we encourage interested trans and non-binary candidates from Sault Ste Marie and surrounding areas to apply, the TFM will prioritize candidates from Garden River First Nation as well as those who identify as Indigenous, Black and/or a Person of Colour.
Application Process
Interested applicants must fill out an application form and submit a resume/CV.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
If the application form presents a barrier for any reason, please contact
Gabrielle Zilkha tfm@transfilmmentorship.com prior to the application deadline.
Applications now closed.
Questions can be directed to tfm@transfilmmentorship.com
Meet the Team
Edge Entertainment
Edge Entertainment specializes in the production of original film and TV content and offers premiere production services. Headquartered in Sault Ste. Marie, founders Rosalia Chilelli and Jennifer Pun are experts in the Canadian Film and TV industry, having serviced 25+ productions and generated $62M+ for the Northern Ontario region. Edge’s operations in Toronto, San Diego and Isla Mujeres, MX broadens the company’s international reach.
Rosalie and Jennifer share an inspired vision about the diversity of voices in this country, and others, and the opportunities awaiting them in the television and digital medium.
Ronnie Ali (she/her)
Ronnie is a Registered Psychotherapist with 15+ years of experience in diversity and inclusion consulting, involving design and delivery of training, social programming, executive/leadership coaching, and critical incident debriefing. She also has 10+ years of clinical experience as a psychotherapist working with communities marginalized by oppression and discrimination, and 5+ years of experience in clinical supervision, education, and training the next generation of therapists.
This program is made possible by
