HARBOUR MIST FILMS
Driven by vision and passion, we bring stories to life with creativity, precision, and heart
Harbour Mist Films is a Vancouver-based production company where collaboration, culture, and artistry converge. Led by a multicultural team of acclaimed filmmakers — with multiple Emmy and Leo Awards among them — HMF brings bold, emotionally charged stories to life across film, television, and digital platforms. Known for being highly collaborative and effortless to work with, the team approaches every project as a creative partnership, blending diverse perspectives with cinematic precision. From narrative films and vertical dramas to commercial and branded content, Harbour Mist Films crafts each frame with purpose, beauty, and emotion.
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Amir Aghelnejad
FOUNDER // PRODUCER // DIRECTOR
Vancouver-based director, writer, and producer with almost two decades of experience in film, television, and digital media. His directing career includes nearly 100 short films, a feature film, and multiple produced features, with work recognized through numerous film festival acceptances and awards, establishing a reputation for pairing creative vision with precise execution.
Amir’s producing credits include content for MTV Canada, and his work as a post-production supervisor spans multiple award-winning television shows.
He has spent the last 15 years leading a Vancouver production company, where he has guided projects across development, production, and post.
Recognized with Leo Award nominations, Amir continues to develop ambitious projects through his latest venture, Harbour Mist Films, while championing stories that are visually bold, emotionally resonant, and crafted to connect with audiences on a lasting level.
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Zac Laszuk
PRODUCER // CINEMATOGRAPHER
An Emmy-winning Director of Photography with over 20 years of experience, he specializes in documentary and sports cinematography. His work has appeared on major networks and platforms including ABC, CBS, CNN, ESPN, TNT, Rogers Media, UFC, the NHL Channel, Fox Sports, Amazon, and Hulu.
Honoured with a 2023 Sports Emmy and multiple Canadian Screen Award nominations, he is recognized for capturing powerful, cinematic visuals in high-pressure environments. For the past 11 years, he has successfully operated his own cinematography business, collaborating with top-tier clients across North America.
Now, as part of the Harbour Mist Films team, he is eager to return to his roots in storytelling, channeling his expertise, creativity, and passion into every project he helps bring to life.
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PETER HANLON
WRITER // ACTING COACH
An award-winning writer and storyteller, Peter brings a rare blend of creative vision and professional mastery to film and television. His work is known for their depth, artistry, and emotional resonance, earning him recognition as a true force in the creative community.
With over 50 years of experience, Peter has built a remarkable career as both an actor and mentor. He’s best known for his recurring role on the Emmy-winning The X-Files and his performance in the original Scary Movie. His credits span more than 90 film and television productions, appearing on major platforms including Netflix and HBO.
Beyond his on-screen work, Peter is one of Vancouver’s most sought-after acting coaches, guiding performers to make bold, authentic choices both in the studio and on set. His insight and collaborative spirit have made him an invaluable ally to actors and directors alike.
A trusted collaborator of HMF founder Amir for over a decade, Peter continues to inspire through his writing, artistry, and mentorship while leaving a lasting mark on the creative landscape.
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Hassam Mairaj
CINEMATOGRAPHER // DIRECTOR
With over 14 years of experience behind the camera, Hassam is a Vancouver-based Director of Photography whose work spans fiction, documentary, television, and short films across Canada, South Asia, Europe, and South Korea.
His recent credits include serving as one of the cinematographers on the Telus-funded documentary Make the Shot (VIFF 2023) and as a camera operator on Curl Power (HotDocs 2024). In 2022, he lensed the award-winning art documentary Mary Magdalene in Conversation with Lilian Broca, which continues to screen internationally on the festival circuit.
Beyond documentaries, Hassam has contributed to a wide range of narrative projects, from web series to television dramas, amassing over 1,000 filming days across diverse genres and cultures. His strong technical expertise is paired with a cinematic eye shaped by both academic and international training, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Film & TV Production and a diploma in Cinematography from Prague, Czech Republic.
Rooted in the cultural richness of South Asia and refined through global collaborations, Hassam is passionate about visual storytelling—crafting imagery that not only captures the essence of a story but also amplifies its impact for audiences worldwide.
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Kana Okada
HEAD MAKEUP ARTIST
As a key member of the FX’s Shōgun makeup team, she contributed to their Emmy Award win for Best Makeup. She brings nearly a decade of experience in film, television, and commercial work. Her career spans both Hollywood blockbusters and acclaimed independent films, establishing her as a versatile and sought-after artist in the industry.
Her credits include major productions such as Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, Disney’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and several upcoming high-profile releases yet to be announced. She also contributed her artistry to the award-winning indie hit Golden Delicious, as well as a wide range of commercials, shorts, and television projects.
Her expertise continues to grow with upcoming features including Karoshi, an anticipated Lionsgate release from the producers of John Wick. Known for bridging cultural authenticity with cinematic creativity, she brings a sharp eye, technical mastery, and a deep dedication to every story she helps bring to life.
Now stepping into her role as Head of Makeup at Harbour Mist Films, she is excited to channel her award-winning experience into guiding the department and overseeing the artistry on every project the company undertakes.
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FERNANDA MORAN
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Originally from Mexico City, she studied Communication with a specialization in Film Directing and Production at Universidad Anáhuac México Norte, later earning a Master’s degree at the Facultad de Cine (CDMX). In 2025, she completed the Film Acting Conservatory program at New Image College in Vancouver.
She has been most active as a production designer, contributing to a wide range of Canadian short films and vertical projects, where her visual sensibility and attention to detail have shaped distinctive storytelling worlds. In addition, she has worked as a Latina actress in theatre and film, and continues to pursue dance as both a discipline and a form of expression.
Her professional focus on production design, combined with her multidisciplinary background, makes her a valuable creative force. As a key member of Harbour Mist Films, she brings her design expertise and cultural perspective to every project she joins.
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JOHN FRANCO
SUPERVISING SOUND EDITOR
With decades of experience shaping the sonic identity of film and television, John brings a deep understanding of how sound elevates emotion, realism, and storytelling. As a Supervising Sound Editor, he oversees every stage of post-production sound—from dialogue and design to the final mix—ensuring each detail enhances the narrative.
Throughout his career, John’s work has earned industry recognition, including a Canadian Screen Award nomination and three Leo nominations with one win. Known for his calm leadership, precision, and instinct for creating immersive soundscapes, he bridges the creative and technical worlds of post audio with clarity and finesse.
Driven by collaboration and curiosity, John approaches each project as an opportunity to build an auditory world that feels both cinematic and deeply human—where every sound tells part of the story.
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Julian Pinney
STREAMING CONSULTANT
Julian is a seasoned live internet broadcasting consultant who specializes in all aspects of live content creation—from technical setup and operation to coaching presenters on effective audience engagement. With a proven track record of delivering smooth, seamless streams, he brings both reliability and creative insight to every broadcast. His experience includes building a successful YouTube channel, developing remote live classrooms, and working extensively with platforms such as Twitch and Discord to create cohesive, interactive experiences.
Passionate about the unique power of live media, Julian believes live broadcasting creates authentic, real-time connections that traditional formats often cannot achieve. In today’s digital age, he sees this medium as an indispensable tool for businesses and individuals alike, and is dedicated to helping clients harness its full potential.
Our Past collaborators

