RESO at ACFM 2025: Championing Racialized Canadian Producers on the Global Stage
With the generous support of Canada's Trade Commissioner Service's CanExport Program, the Racial Equity Screen Office (RESO) is proud to present our 2025 Producer Delegation to the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan, South Korea. From September 20–23, 2025, six exceptional racialized Canadian producers will represent RESO and Canada as they seek new international co-production opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.
This delegation reflects RESO's commitment to expanding market access, fostering global partnerships, and building a truly inclusive screen industry. With support from Telefilm Canada, these producers will receive market accreditation, pre-market coaching, and access to ACFM’s Producers Hub.
RESO is honoured to support these bold voices shaping the future of storytelling. Their projects reflect the depth, diversity, and global relevance of Canadian creators.
Follow along this fall as RESO brings Canadian talent to Busan.
Meet the Delegates & Their Projects
SARAH YIM HAASZ
Producer | Pillango Productions (ON)
Sarah is a seasoned broadcast executive and producer with over 25 years in children’s and family entertainment. Formerly with CBC Kids, Family Channel, and Disney Jr Canada, she now leads original IP at Pillango Productions. Her acclaimed series Gangnam Project (CBC/BBC) recently wrapped its second season. Sarah is attending ACFM with Gangnam Project Season 3, a K-pop drama series expanding its global reach.
LATIF ULLAH
Director/Producer | Renaissance Films & Imoto Productions (BC)
Burmese-Canadian filmmaker Latif Ullah returns to Busan with Kage No Hana, a deeply personal feature set in modern-day Japan. Latif brings experience from Platform Busan, ASC mentorship under Denis Villeneuve, and the RIFF Talent Lab. His goal: secure co-pro partners for this cross-cultural feature.
JOHN SEONGHO CHOI
Director/Producer | Playground Films (ON)
John is an award-winning Canadian Korean filmmaker whose work has been featured on Netflix, Prime, YouTube Originals, CBC, and more. His current project, Ring of Fire, explores the world’s most active volcanoes and humanity’s relationship to nature. John brings decades of doc experience and deep Asia industry ties to ACFM.
KARA HARUN
Writer/Director | Blink49 Studios (ON)
Kara is a six-time Canadian Screen Award nominee, known for Aunty B’s House and Beyond Black Beauty. She’s attending with Zero Repeat Forever, a YA sci-fi series based on the Nahx Invasion book series. The project is set in Canada and Korea, with a strong Gen Z appeal and plans for Korean creative integration.
JASON KARMAN
Director/Producer | Golden Delicious Films (BC) / Photo credit Claire Garner Photography
Jason is an award-winning queer Asian Canadian filmmaker whose debut Golden Delicious screened at 62 festivals worldwide. His new project, First Steps, follows teen sisters navigating identity and family. With funding from Telefilm and Creative BC, he seeks Asian co-pro partners to move into production.
IVAN MADEIRA
Producer | Hentucky Productions (ON)
Ivan is an Indo-Philippine producer and founder of Hentucky Productions. His debut Pattern won Best Feature at Roxbury International. His new film The Kick Inside is a music-driven drama set in the Philippines, ready for co-financing and regional collaboration. Ivan has built deep ties in Sagada and is ready to activate Asia-facing partnerships.
