Canadian filmmaker BLAKE MAWSON, a 2017 CFC Director fellow, captivates audiences with engaging storytelling, unconventional characters, and his striking visual style. His debut short, PYOTR495 (2016), addressed anti-LGBTQ+ hate and violence in Russia, winning global acclaim. Presented at 100+ festivals, it earned CSA's lead actor award for Alex Ozerov, a Best Direction nomination for Mawson, and the NFB’s A&E Filmmaker Award. Mawson's directorial range shines in music videos for queer country icon ORVILLE PECK (Vogue premiere) and Juno-winning rockers CROWN LANDS (RollingStone premiere). In 2022, he was asked to conceive a custom horror teaser for Mike Flanagan’s series, THE MIDNIGHT CLUB. In 2023, he directed all six episodes of CBCGem's LGBTQ+dark comedy, I HATE PEOPLE, PEOPLE HATE ME, which premiered at Tribeca 2023, screened at NewFest and is now airing on CBC Gem. Currently, Mawson is developing his debut feature, a supernatural thriller titled, PERENNIALS, with WILDHOOD producer Gharrett Paon and Good Question Media (THE VVITCH) while continuing to expand upon his distinct creative footprint globally.