🎬 Markham Talent Season 3 Launches Exciting New Short Film & Online Competition

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: July 10, 2025

Location: Global Link, 88 Doncaster Avenue, Markham, ON

Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

🎬 Markham Talent Season 3 Launches Exciting New Short Film & Online Competition

Markham, ON – Markham Talent is proud to announce the launch of its newest spotlight category for Season 3 – 2025 Open Casting Call: the Short Film & Online Competition. This innovative competition is open to filmmakers, actors, digital creators, and visionaries from around the globe, bringing together storytelling, performance, and the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence.

As part of this year’s expanded talent platform, the short film competition will celebrate outstanding creative achievements in both traditional filmmaking and AI-assisted storytelling.

Hosted by Councillor Amanda Yeung Collucci, the media conference brought together influential leaders from the fields of arts, education, filmmaking, and artificial intelligence. This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant evolution in Markham’s vision for talent development—one that proudly embraces both technological innovation and cultural diversity.

Finalists will be showcased in a public online screening, with winners selected by a distinguished panel of industry judges. The Short Film category will be led by Head Judge Kaveh Ebrahimpour, a seasoned international filmmaker renowned for his compelling storytelling and cinematic vision.

The judging panel also includes:

Colleen Rush – Casting Director, Larissa Mair Casting

Jessica Allen – Casting Director, Mann Casting

Anthony Collucci – Youth Actor and Returning Markham Talent Judge

Marian Meschino – ACTRA EIC Talent Agent, Kamera Talent

AI Creative Professionals: Daniel Pan, James Bae, and Asad Norouzi

Majid Ghalamshahi – Founder, Artourism International Film Festival

🏆 Awards to Be Presented:

Best Picture

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Director

Best AI-Assisted Short

People’s Choice

📅 Key Dates:

Submission Deadline: August 31, 2025 5pm EST

Online Screening & Judging: September 26–28, 2025

Award Announcements: September 28, 2025

The competition is divided into two age groups: Under 16 and 17 & Over.

All winners will receive official recognition, digital laurels, and the opportunity to be featured across Markham Talent platforms. In addition, select entries from the Short Film category will have the exclusive opportunity to be showcased at the Artourism International Film Festival, offering further exposure on a global stage.

This new initiative reflects Markham Talent’s ongoing commitment to nurturing diverse talent and embracing the future of the arts. The online short film competition will run alongside the in-person Open Casting Call event happening September 26–28, 2025, in Markham, Ontario.

🎥 How to Enter:

Interested filmmakers and creators can visit www.markhamtalent.ca to register and submit their entries. Pay the $60 Registration fee (includes 2 semi-final tickets). No age restriction applies. All genres welcome.

🗣️ Quotes from the Media Conference

Amanda Yeung Collucci, Creator & Executive Producer of Markham Talent:

“By introducing this new category, we aim to celebrate creativity in all its forms—from classic cinematic excellence to the bold frontiers of AI-assisted filmmaking. We welcome both emerging and established creators to participate and showcase their vision to a global audience.”

“It is with great pride that we introduce the Short Film category as a key addition to Season 3 of Markham Talent, marking a significant milestone in the program’s evolution. Many major productions—such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones—are already using AI as a tool in the filmmaking process.

This year, we are embracing AI and online innovation as integral components of our talent platform, reflecting our ongoing commitment to fostering a creative environment where innovation, inclusivity, and global connection are at the core. The launch of the Online and AI categories affirms our dedication to amplifying new voices and advancing creativity in a digital era where technology meets arts and culture.”

Kaveh Ebrahimpour, Head Judge, Short Film Category:

“As a filmmaker, I’ve seen how digital platforms and AI tools open new doors for storytelling. But talent remains at the core—authentic, passionate, and unique voices. What we’re doing here today ensures that those voices are heard, empowered, and celebrated.”

Asad Norouzi, AI Creative Professional & Judge:

“AI is no longer the future—it’s the present. In film and talent development, artificial intelligence is reshaping how stories are told, how performances are evaluated, and how creativity is amplified. Our responsibility is to integrate these tools ethically and meaningfully—to support human expression, not replace it.”

James Bae, AI Creative Professional & Judge:

“Storytelling has always evolved—from oral tradition to print, to film—and now, to AI. With the right balance, AI can help creators visualize and refine their ideas in ways previously unimaginable, crafting compelling narratives that merge art and intelligence.”

Majid Ghalamshahi – Community Engagement Vision, Artourism

“Our vision at Artourism is to build a bridge between artists, audiences, and the tools of the future. By engaging the community, we ensure everyone has access to opportunities to learn, grow, and express their unique talents in new and exciting ways.”

Maria Sun – VIC Education & Support

“At VIC Education, we believe in empowering the next generation through knowledge. Whether it’s AI, performance arts, or media, we are here to support young minds and ensure they have the tools to succeed in a changing world.”

Samia Karimi – Markham Talent Global Outreach & Talent Development – shared:

“Our mission is to take Markham Talent to the global stage. With the introduction of our new Online and Short Film categories, including the Best AI-Assisted Award, we’re expanding our reach and inviting talent from all corners of the world to connect, compete, and grow through a shared passion for innovation and creativity.”

As Markham Talent Season 3 moves forward, it stands as a leading example of how artistic expression and technological advancement can coexist and elevate one another. By embracing innovation while remaining grounded in cultural diversity and creative integrity, the competition continues to position Markham as a global stage for emerging talent. With strong institutional support and international reach, this season promises to set a new standard for inclusive, forward-thinking talent discovery.

About Markham Talent

Founded by Amanda Yeung Collucci, Markham Talent is an inclusive performance platform that celebrates creativity in all its forms. Now in its third season, the event brings together aspiring artists and industry professionals in a supportive and dynamic environment—helping performers gain confidence, exposure, and meaningful career opportunities across a wide range of disciplines.

About Global Link

Global Link: Connecting Communities, Empowering Newcomers

Located in Markham, Global Link is a vibrant cultural center focused on community engagement, diversity, and empowerment. As one of the strongest Iranian cultural hubs in Canada, it supports newcomers in accessing better career and life opportunities while promoting education, art, and cultural growth. Its mission is to bridge diverse communities and provide a trusted space for learning, creativity, and collaboration.

Media Contact:

English & Persian:

Mohammad Soltani, Global Link

Tel: 647-973-7588 / Email: mohmadst194@gmail.com

Yasmine Sun (for Chinese Media)

Public Relations for Markham Talent

Tel: 437-363-0015 / Email: talentmarkham@gmail.com