Natalie Turcotte is a Toronto-based director and writer pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Media Production at Toronto Metropolitan University’s RTA School of Media. Specializing in the genres of drama, thriller, and coming-of-age, her work often explores themes of love, loss, and memory, with a strong focus on female-driven narratives. Natalie’s directorial debut, NEVER & ALWAYS, won the RTA School of Media’s 2023 TARA Award for Best Short Film, and several of her projects have gone on to earn recognition at both local and international film festivals, including being an official selection at the Tokyo International Short Film Festival and reaching the finalist stage at the New York Animation Film Awards. She has gained professional experience in film development through internships and is currently completing a co-op placement with the Toronto International Film Festival’s Industry Programming team. As a female writer/director in a largely male-dominated field, Natalie is passionate about amplifying female voices and fostering inclusive, supportive spaces for women in the film industry. Her most recent project, 1-800-THE-VOID—a psychological thriller pilot and her RTA School of Media thesis—was written and directed by Natalie and brought to life by an all-women core team. Committed to collaborating with diverse teams to produce innovative narratives, Natalie continues to develop her voice as an emerging filmmaker. more...