HARBOUR MIST FILMS
Driven by vision and passion, we bring stories to life with creativity, precision, and heart.
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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 spent the last 15 years leading a Vancouver production company, where he 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 National Hockey League, Fox Sports, Amazon, and Hulu.
Honored 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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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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PETER HANLON
WRITER // ACTING COACH
An award-winning writer and storyteller, Peter brings a rare combination of creative vision and professional expertise to the film and television industry. His work is celebrated for its depth, artistry, and resonance, further cementing his reputation as a true force in the creative community.
With over fifty years of experience, Peter has also built a remarkable career as an actor and mentor. He is best known for his recurring role on the Emmy-winning series The X-Files and his performance in the original Scary Movie. Over the course of his career, he has appeared in more than ninety films and television shows, gracing both the silver screen and major platforms such as Netflix, HBO, and many others.
Beyond his own performances, Peter is recognized as one of Vancouver’s most sought-after acting coaches, guiding actors both in the studio and directly on set. His approach encourages performers to make bold, specific choices while uncovering authenticity and truth in their work. This ability to nurture talent in real time has made him an invaluable presence to both actors and directors alike.
Respected for his writing, artistry, and mentorship, Peter continues to inspire generations of artists, leaving a lasting mark on the creative landscape of film and television. A trusted collaborator with HMF founder Amir for over a decade, Peter remains an essential part of Harbour Mist Films’ creative strength and vision.
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JOHN FRANCO
SOUND DESIGNER