Julie Roy

Photo: Telefilm Canada

The Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada since April 2023, Julie Roy has nearly 30 years of experience in the Canadian film industry. She previously worked at the National Film Board of Canada, where she served in various positions. Most notably, she designed numerous marketing campaigns and produced some 50 animated films that enjoyed international recognition (Berlin, Cannes, Annecy, etc.). Her dual expertise in production and marketing helped her to stay in tune with audiences. 

Adept at building consensus and motivating people, Julie first headed the NFB’s creative sector before being named Director General and Head of Programming in September 2022. In this role, she was responsible for all production studios nationwide (Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Moncton, Halifax, St. John’s) as well as the distribution and marketing teams. She identified the vision and programming goals needed to reach a wider audience. Her creative leadership ensured that the NFB remained a national and international pioneer. 

In directing the NFB’s French and English production sectors, Julie acquired a national perspective on the documentary, animation and interactive creation fields. She is familiar with regional, linguistic and cultural characteristics. She is an advocate for diversity and inclusion on and off the screen and encourages the plurality of voices that enable authentic storytelling.  

Julie has a master’s degree in Film Studies from Université de Montréal. The author of many pieces on women and animation, she has also been a guest programmer and jury member at a number of international festivals. Julie is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.