<div>Hi! I’m Devani Dianna, a Trinidadian-Canadian emerging Director of Photography and filmmaker based in Toronto. I’ve just wrapped production on a women-led comedy short as part of the Igniter Comedy Film Challenge, presented by Canadian Film Fest in partnership with Firecracker Department.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I’m raising $1,500 CAD to help recoup the personal funds I invested to bring this project to life.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/99612673_1772079156949419_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>It’s not usual for a cinematographer to finance 80% of a production but I believe in this story. I’m a lifelong fan of post-apocalyptic worlds, fallen societies, and survival horror games, and when this opportunity came up, I knew I had to make it happen.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This 6-minute proof of concept is designed to launch a full television series, with multiple seasons already envisioned. Though the idea was born on February 1, 2026, our passionate team of women moved fast ~ determined to create visually captivating, funny, high-concept work that will define this new generation of Canadian filmmakers.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Like our characters, we are capable, smart women and we’re ready to <strong>rewrite the future</strong>.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Why I Took This Risk?</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>My goal is to be a cinematographer on a television series — especially one led by Canadian women.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We film so much in Canada, yet so many of our productions are driven by outside voices. We have incredible stories here. This proof of concept puts my cinematography directly in front of industry professionals at Canadian Film Fest, where our team receives festival access simply by participating.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>For me, this project is momentum.
</div>
<div>It’s about building credibility.
</div>
<div>It’s about investing in myself and in women-led productions.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>And it’s about something bigger.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I will not wait to be “accepted” as a woman of colour cinematographer. <strong>I will not ask for permission</strong>. I will build my own doors and walk through them as a cinematographer.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>The reality is that <strong>people of colour</strong>, <em>especially women</em> are still drastically underrepresented in this industry.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I will create a future where, when someone talks about a DP, Gaffer, or Key Grip and casually says “him,” it feels outdated. Where it’s no longer assumed those roles belong to men. I want young women, especially <strong>women of colour,</strong> to see these positions as unquestionably theirs.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Taking this risk was necessary. I’m talented. I’m dedicated to my craft. <strong>And I refuse to wait decades for someone to decide I’m “ready.”</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I’m ready now.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Meet the Team 
</div>
<div>Director – Josée Prud’Homme She is a Franco-Ontarien filmmaker with over a decade of experience in the film industry in Toronto, Vancouver, and the UK. As a bi-lingual and LGBTQ2+ artist, Josée is keen to explore stories with themes of ethnic identity, feminism, and the impact of history on today’s world. In addition to her film work, Josée is also a passionate photographer and short fiction writer. Her goal is to win this year’s challenge and build her network (and honestly? me too). 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Scriptwriter – Shawna Edward is an emerging writer/director from Toronto, who's work centers on horror and comedy. She is passionate about writing weirdos and elevating the underdog. Her first short film MIMICS is currently on its festival run, and her second short Tada is set to go to camera in the summer of 2026. Shawna has worked in the film and television industry as a Script Supervisor, learning everything she can from the best of the best (Letterkenny, Shoresy, Little Bird, North of North, VHS ’94, Hell of a Summer). Prior to her career in Film she established herself as a writer and performer, both as a touring Stand Up Comedian with a successful self-produced tour (Irritable and Confused), as well as a long running monthly show (Dirty Liar, at Comedy Bar and Underground Comedy), she is also one half of the writing/performing/producing team behind The R.I.P. Podcast with Toronto theatre legend Rob Feetham. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Director of Photography – Devani Dianna (Vani) Notably, produced Customized (2022), Under the Same Roof (2024) and To the Stereo (2025). Dianna works as a focus puller and gaffer on features, commercials, short films and music videos. Bringing with her a strong technical foundation in camera and lighting, combined with a creative vision for storytelling, predominantly working on queer and/or women led projects. Dianna received Honourable mentions from TIFF Next Wave 48 Hour Film Challenge for her short film 'DITTO' in 2021. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Actress for Indy - Neha Modgil is a Canadian actress and award-winning producer recognized for her commanding screen presence and bold storytelling. She starred in and co-produced the lead-driven film Customized (2022) alongside Deadlight Films Inc. and under her banner, MOD Film Productions. In 2025, she expanded her on-screen portfolio with a starring role in Enna Nu Rehna Sehna Ni Aaunda, a Canadian-Punjabi, feature film. She has performed with Brampton On Stage and the Luminato Festival and was featured in a national commercial campaign with FreshCo. As both an actress and producer, Neha is committed to bringing dynamic and layered stories to the forefront of film, television and theatre.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div> ~~~~ 
</div>
<div>The Film 
</div>
<div>*Log Line - * In a Nuclear Winter, three women choose to rewrite history in their own, sexy way. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>*Synopsis - * A nun, a historian, and an eager adventurer find themselves holed up together in the midst of nuclear winter. To pass the time in their shelter, they have set their minds to re-documenting history from the female gaze. There’s only one way to make history sell: it’s time to sex it up.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/99612673_1772079111157363_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Where Your Money Goes?</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This campaign helps me recover the personal funds I invested to make this film happen and ensures we can finish strong and professionally.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Food 
</div>
<div>Instead of expensive catering, my mom will cook for our cast and crew-Trini-style. Your support covers groceries and meal prep so we can keep everyone energized during long prep, shoot and wrap days.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Production Insurance</strong>
</div>
<div>Insurance allows us to rent professional camera and lighting equipment responsibly. We are proudly sponsored by Keslow Camera and Cinelease! 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We filmed on an ARRI Alexa Mini camera package sponsored by <strong>Keslow Camera</strong>, special thanks to Craig and Josh @ Keslow. Josh gave me the BlackWing7s lenses from Tribe7 recommendation for this project, i appreciate all the support I’ve received from everyone at Keslow throughout my cinematography journey!!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Our Grip and Electric package is sponsored by <strong>Cinelease</strong>, special thanks to Melanie, Kushagra and David at Cinelease. Cinelease always comes clutch with my gear requests &lt;3 I’m forever grateful to be supported by such an amazing company.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/99612673_1772079059508018_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Art, Props, Wardrobe &amp; Makeup
</div>
<div>These departments bring our post-apocalyptic world to life. The majority of funds will go toward building the visual universe of the film. We are also grateful to be sponsored by Packrat prop house rentals. They are an amazing company and resource for filmmakers!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Transportation</strong>
</div>
<div>Filmmaking logistics add up quickly. Your donations help cover:
</div>
<ul>
<li>Gas and parking
</li>
<li>Crew transportation and Ubers
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I prioritize safety. Especially for late-night or early-morning call times. No one on my team travels alone in unsafe conditions.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Why Support This Project?</strong>
</div>
<div>By backing this film, you’re investing in:
</div>
<ul>
<li>A women-led production
</li>
<li>A BIPOC cinematographer committed to professional workflows
</li>
<li>A nationally recognized film challenge
</li>
<li>The next wave of Canadian television storytelling
</li>
<li>A comedy short made with intention, heart, and sharp humor
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Every dollar helps us show up prepared, professional, and proud.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>
</div>
<div>Donate — truly, any amount helps
</div>
<div><strong>Share this campaign with your community</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Cheer us on as we race against the clock
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>By supporting this project, you’re backing emerging Canadian talent, women-led storytelling, and a bold comedy that’s being made with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of laughs.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for believing in funny women making cool things.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/99612673_1772079076262159_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>

Anonymous

Zoë Thompson

Isabelle Li

Meraj Badiuzzaman

Jamie Pimentel

Julon Williams

Michal Kedzierski

Emilie Schafferling

orhan sumen

Amanda Hacksel

Sandro Pehar

Alex Gauthier

Luc et Ginette Prud'Homme

Lara Marjerrison

Emily Bendeck Garay

women's comedy short film challenge fund ~ vani

¡Solo faltan $805$ ! Tú puedes marcar la diferencia.

women's comedy short film challenge fund ~ vani

¡Solo faltan $805 !
Tú puedes marcar la diferencia.