Heyishi Zhang
Instructor - Creating Chaos - The Creative Course for Developing a Digital Series
Juror - Pitch This! CBC Pitch Competition
Heyishi Zhang (she/her) is a Chinese Canadian filmmaker who is interested in telling chaotic and complex stories about subjects beyond the margins. Her most notable project is Gay Mean Girls Seasons 1 and 2, an auto fictional digital series that she created/directed. The second season is currently nominated (pending) for 3 Canadian Screen Awards for Best Web Program, Best Writing, and Best Directing. Both seasons premiered at TIFF Next Wave and was distributed by Shaftesbury and Revry. Season 2 has received over 33 accolades internationally and screened at Oscar qualifying festivals. Gay Mean Girls originated from her viral short film (same title, 2015) with over 4 million views online. Heyishi is a Telefilm Talent to Watch recipient and worked on CTV's Shelved. Her work has been showcased on Global TV, Elle Canada, Rookie Mag, SheDoesTheCity, Leste, and more. Heyishi is obsessed with the truth.