Bardya Ziaian, Toronto Filmmaker
When I think about the past year in indie filmmaking, there are some milestones that stand out above others, but what mainly comes to mind is the evolution of the process. That includes the format and the intended audiences for projects, both here in Canada and in the US, Europe, Asia and beyond.
Coming into film from a background in technology, finance, and building companies in Toronto, I’ve had to learn how the independent film scene in Canada actually works by being inside it. I knew the mechanics would be different, but what surprised me was how familiar the underlying challenge felt. There’s a lot of solving problems by being creative with limited resources. There are small teams working earnestly to make something honest that holds up once it leaves your hands.
Through Bardya Pictures and alongside my colleagues at Sittu Group, I’ve been spending more time in development, production, and post, learning the way things work by being a part of the work. I’ve seen many examples of how Canada’s independent film scene rewards that kind of commitment.
The most dramatic changes occurring in the industry are around distribution and visibility. There’s an ongoing tug of war between theatrical distribution, which has long been protected by Hollywood institutions and the Academy, and the streaming platforms that now dominate how most people view projects. Theatres still carry enormous cultural weight and prestige, especially around awards seasons, but streamers have changed expectations around access. As consolidation continues, the tensions between how we experience film and television will find resolutions. For us as independent filmmakers, these new pressures reinforce our need to stay flexible rather than committing to a single path too early.
Our focus is on maximizing visibility via streaming services, digital releases, and, importantly, film festivals. Knowing that has had a major impact on how we think about projects at Bardya Pictures. From the very beginning, development incorporates how and where a project might be seen.
With Sittu Group, our philosophy has always been “thinking while moving forward.” It’s proven to be a useful philosophy for filmmaking as well. We approach problems in similar ways to business consulting: test ideas, learn quickly, and adjust without losing our balance. Every project teaches us something new and valuable, and we’re always excited to build on what we’ve learned with the next one.
Through this process, we’ve learned the practical realities of film production in Toronto and across Canada. As we’ve watched other filmmakers navigate the same industry, we’ve taken strength from the successes, even when it takes a lot of time. Some have broken through with a festival run, while others have found word-of-mouth gold on streaming services. But the common thread is patience, conviction, and a clarity of voice.
We see a future where films will continue to find viewers long after their first screening. That quieter discovery can be more meaningful than a short burst of hype that quickly fades. It allows the work to connect with people who are actually looking for it.
Independent filmmaking in Canada rewards those who learn while moving forward, even when the path isn’t obvious. It takes a commitment to building projects, learning the ecosystems, and leaning on support from talented colleagues. With Sittu Group and Bardya Pictures, we’re excited for what’s to come.