Katherine
Some of my fondest childhood memories include seeing movies with my dad every Sunday afternoon. The simple pleasure I got from watching the stories unfold on screen would inexplicably stir something in me.
I pursued my fascination with film throughout my Communication Studies degree at Concordia, earning an award for Best Short Film at the YoungCuts Film Festival for my film Camille and the Musical Cherries. Today, I continue to articulate my passion for the field as co-owner of a small but thriving production company. The art of sharing stories and communicating messages inspires all our projects.
As a Director, I have acquired thorough production knowledge and a keen understanding of the rhythm and aesthetics of the moving image, enabling me to lend a distinct vision and voice to our projects. Through Bis Films, I am able to express myself creatively, as well as develop my skills as an entrepreneur. The ability to seize an idea and develop it both creatively and logistically is what I enjoy most. I look forward to any project that allows me to hone these skills.
Emmanuel
Most children spend their time dreaming up stories and scheming scenarios to entertain friends and family. Some enjoy it so much they make it their career. In 2006, I received a double Bachelor from Concordia University in Communication Studies and Philosophy. During that time, I produced and directed several short films that screened at festivals around the world, including the Montreal World Film Festival in my hometown. It was only after a yearlong trip around the world that I realized a lifelong dream with Katherine and started our own boutique production company.
I have always been intrigued by the power of stories – how they allow us to communicate deep meaning through the apparently simple combination of ideas. To stir emotions in others, to make them dream or entice them to take action, is a great human feat. This is what I strive for through my work.
It takes the utmost effort and organization to successfully bring any project to fruition, regardless of the scale. Bringing together the right people, the strongest ideas, the best resources, while feeding the mix with enthusiasm and foresight are what make me passionate for my role as Producer and Co-Owner at Bis Films.
History of company
Graduates from Communication Studies at Concordia, the idea of opening a boutique production company came to Katherine and Emmanuel while on a yearlong trip around Europe, Northern Africa and India. During their travels, they developed a mutual creative language, fed by their love for film and video. The desire to work independently on projects of their choosing is what lead to the creation of Bis Films in 2008.
Bis, though often mispronounced Biz, is a musical term indicating a passage that needs to be repeated. More relevant to our company, it is synonymous with “twice;” at its core, Bis Films is a loving effort of two.