NBCCD Highlight

Arianna Martinez's Film Debuts at TIFF

Do I Know You From Somewhere? Selected for TIFF Discovery Program

For the first time in over a decade, a film from New Brunswick will grace the screens at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Do I Know You From Somewhere?, produced by Fredericton-based Strike Pictures, was chosen as part of TIFF’s Discovery Program, which highlights emerging filmmakers from around the globe. This marks the directorial debut of Fredericton filmmaker and NBCCD Instructor, Arianna Martinez.

The inspiration for Do I Know You From Somewhere? emerged from a universal question: "What would my life look like if I had made different choices?" Director Arianna Martinez co-wrote the script with her husband and collaborator, Gordon Mihan, and further developed it with their producing partner Lance Blakney, under their production company, Strike Pictures. The film serves as a personal exploration of the possibilities that arise from life’s crossroads. Martinez hopes that the film’s themes—particularly the sense of loss from missing out on alternate paths—will resonate with audiences. The film also touches on memory within relationships, portraying how people can shift from knowing someone intimately to feeling like strangers over time. Through this, Martinez invites viewers to connect with the emotions surrounding missed opportunities and fading connections.

The production drew on the exceptional talent cultivated by NBCCD, showcasing alumni, staff, and students who are leaving their mark on the local and national film scenes. Including notable names such as Jillian Acreman (Assistant Director), Gia Milani (Executive Producer), Kirsten Stackhouse (Script Supervisor), Drew Gilbert (BTS Videographer), Gillian Salmon (Actor), and more. Martinez reflects fondly on the collaboration, highlighting the wealth of local talent. “We have so much untapped talent here in the province,” she says, advocating for the continued growth of New Brunswick’s film industry.

Arianna Martinez recalls the first day of filming Do I Know You From Somewhere? as a deeply emotional experience. After more than 300 days of preparation, seeing the team’s shared vision come to life was nothing short of surreal. "There were so many people, both in front of and behind the camera, that had come together to create the same vision," she reflects. The culmination of extensive preproduction efforts gave way to the beginning of a rollercoaster journey, one that continued through the editing process. As Martinez oversaw each stage—scriptwriting, acting, and editing—she recognized the profound impact it had on her as a filmmaker. "I cannot begin to describe how much I learned making this film," she adds, reflecting on the growth that came from shaping the film through every phase of its creation.

One of the most challenging aspects of creating Do I Know You From Somewhere? was bringing its surreal and magical realism to life without relying on digital effects. The film's non-linear storytelling, involving clashing timelines and parallel universes, required inventive, in-camera solutions. "The beauty of making movies is that if you can imagine it, you can film it," says director Arianna Martinez. This creative mindset led to inventive practical effects, from creating a void in a living room to making snow in the middle of summer. In one memorable moment, the crew blew potato flakes with industrial fans to simulate snow. Martinez takes pride in the team's ability to problem-solve and bring surreal elements to the screen, all while keeping special effects to a minimum.

International Premiere at theBusan International Film Festival

Do I Know You From Somewhere? recently had its international premiere at the 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in South Korea, the largest film festival in Asia. The film was featured in BIFF’s prestigious Flash Forward selection, which showcases first or second features by non-Asian filmmakers that demonstrate innovative and original approaches to cinema. The winner of this competition is decided by audience votes and is awarded the Flash Forward Award.

NBCCD Community Members Involved in the Film

NBCCD Faculty:
Jillian Acreman as Assistant Director
Kirsten Stackhouse as Script Supervisor
Drew Gilbert as Behind the Scenes Videographer
NBCCD Alumni:
Gillian Salmon as an Actor
Gia Milani as Executive Producer
Michelle Duncan as Costume Designer
Kaleigh Stultz as Gaffer
Curtis Brewster as Key Grip
Kelly Baker as Behind the Scenes Stills Photographer
NBCCD Current Students:
Sophie Brander as an Actor
Ally Keane as a Production Assistant