Claire Desmarais is a
Canadian producer working
in scripted film and television.
She is an alum of the Canadian Film CentreNorman Jewison Film Program, the country'sleading incubator for film industry creative leaders.
She is an alum of the Canadian Film Centre Norman Jewison Film Program, the country's leading incubator for film industry creative leaders.
Claire Desmarais is a
Canadian producer working
in scripted film and television.
She is an alum of the Canadian Film Centre Norman Jewison Film Program, the country's leading incubator for film industry creative leaders.
Nadine Pick Up the Phone (Post-Production)
When a grief-stricken, listless 40 year-old woman answers a strange help-wanted ad to share her lucid dreams, she meets a mysterious young man whose connection to her dream world unlocks long-buried family secrets.
Feature Film | Fantasy Comedy-Drama
Writer and Director: Vanessa Magic
Starring: Lisa Berry
Produced by: Bonnie Do, Claire Desmarais
Claire joined as Associate Producer at the start of prep, supporting casting and physical production planning, before serving as the primary creative producer on set throughout principal photography.
Made with the support of the Telefilm Talent to Watch program.
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Sea Star (2025)
A Black man drowning in grief takes his first swimming lesson.
Short Film | Social Drama
Writer and Director: Tyler Mckenzie Evans
Starring: John Phillips
Produced by: Claire Desmarais, Malachi Ellis
World Premiere: Toronto International Film Festival 2025
US Premiere: Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2026
Official Selection:
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Aspen Shortsfest 2026
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Atlanta International Film Festival 2026
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Canadian Film Fest 2026
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Indy Shorts Film Festival 2026
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International Film Festival of Ottawa 2026
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Kingston Film Festival 2026
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Montreal International Black Film Festival 2026
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Palm Springs International ShortsFest 2026
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Regent Park Film Festival 2026
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Seattle International Film Festival 2026
Awards:
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Winner - Best Canadian Short, Regent Park Film Festival 2026
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Winner - Best Short, Canadian Film Fest 2026
Made with the support of Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, OYA Black Arts Coalition and Kodak.
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Sweet Angel Baby (2024)
Eliza is an unassuming and beloved member of a small fishing community in Newfoundland who sees all of her relationships put in jeopardy after her secret persona is exposed.
Feature Film | 2SLGBTQ+ Drama
Writer and Director: Melanie Oates
Starring: Michaela Kurimsky, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers
Produced by: Chris Hatcher, Melanie Oates, Matt Power, Claire Desmarais
Distributed by: Vortex Media (Canada)
Claire was brought on as a Producer of the film ahead of its TIFF world premiere and oversaw the film’s festival strategy, theatrical release, and digital launch in Canada.
World Premiere: Toronto International Film Festival 2024
Official Selection:
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Atlantic International Film Festival 2024
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Charlottetown International Film Festival 2024
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image+nation Film Festival 2024
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Inside Out Film Festival 2025
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St. John’s International Women’s Festival 2024
Awards:
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Winner - Best Atlantic Screenwriting, Atlantic International Film Festival 2024
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Winner - Performance in a Supporting Role, Canadian Screen Awards 2026
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Nominee - Performance in a Lead Role, Canadian Screen Awards 2026
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Made with the support of Telefilm Canada, Picture NL, and Ontario Creates.
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Capsule (2024)
After 18 months in the loneliest depths of outer space, an astronaut stoically performs his mission duties in spite of the fact that he lost his crew. He's also lost contact with ground control. In fact, he fears he's lost his mind. But just when he's lost all hope, he finds an unlikely friend who brings an unexpected opportunity for salvation.
Short Film | Dark Comedy Sci-Fi
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Director: Dani Kind
Screenplay by: Mike Rinaldi
Based on the play by: Mike Rinaldi, Andrew McNee
Starring: Mike Rinaldi, Andrew McNee
Produced by: Claire Desmarais, Ben Robinson
World Premiere: Canadian Film Fest 2024
Official Selection: Hamilton Film Festival 2024
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Sight (2023)
Nadia turns a hungry eye to her coworker Grace when her all-consuming envy turns her into a hyena.
Short Film | Body Horror
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Writer and Director: Lu Asfaha
Starring: Fatuma Adar, Blessing Adedijo
Produced by: Claire Desmarais, Bonnie Do
World Premiere: Fantasia Film Festival 2023
Developed and produced through the Canadian Film Centre Norman Jewison Film Program.
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Limbo (2023)
Determined to finish his film, an overworked director heads to set after a near fatal accident, but the trauma from the event refuses to let him go.
Short Film | Atmospheric Drama
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Writer and Director: Andrew Hamilton
Starring: Andrew Bushell, Kat Khan, Fatuma Adar, Gregory Ambrose Calderone
Produced by: Claire Desmarais
Developed and produced through the Canadian Film Centre Norman Jewison Film Program.
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