EEL Short Film Fundraiser

Who Am I?

I’m Wayne Burns—an actor and filmmaker from Truro, Nova Scotia. You may have seen me in Longing (Crave), What We Do in the Shadows (Disney+), Olympus (Syfy), or even my viral apartment in Toronto Life.

My last short, LIAR, won the ACTRA Award for Best Performance, played festivals worldwide, and is now streaming on CBC Gem.

What is EEL?

EEL follows Jason, a young electrician who, desperate to provide for his family, gets caught in the high-stakes world of illegal eel fishing—where one bad decision could cost him everything.

Baby glass eels, or elvers, sell for up to $5,000 per kilogram on the black market, leading to an escalating crisis in Nova Scotia’s waters. Inspired by real events, EEL is a gripping, character-driven thriller about the hidden dangers of an industry on the brink.

Where We’re At

Shot over four days in July 2024, EEL was brought to life by an incredible cast and crew, including CSA® nominee Tim Momborquette (Volleys) and award-winning actors like Koumbie, Kevin Kincaid, and Taylor Olson. Editing is underway, and now we need your support to complete post-production.

Why We Need You

Sound, colour, and VFX will ensure EEL meets the highest standard, making it competitive on the international festival circuit. Every dollar raised goes directly to the brilliant artists behind this film—dedicated collaborators who deserve compensation for their craft.

Sound Design - $1,500

Colour - $750

VFX - $150

Why Support?

Because you believe in artists. Because you love gritty, socially relevant thrillers like Uncut Gems, Fargo, and Fruitvale Station. Because you care about homegrown Canadian cinema. Or maybe you want to see stunning shots of the Nova Scotian coastline!

Whatever your reason, your support will help EEL spark conversations about an urgent, evolving crisis. Whether you contribute or share this campaign, I’m deeply grateful.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

W.