TORONTO – Slawko Klymkiw, CEO of the Canadian Film Centre (CFC), announced today he will retire in the spring of 2021.
“Slawko’s extraordinary leadership at the CFC and his years of unwavering support of Canadian creators will undoubtedly leave a long-lasting imprint on our industry,” said Christina Jennings, chair of the CFC board and CEO of Shaftesbury, in the CFC release. “His dedication to accelerating talent, on both sides of the camera, has made certain that CFC alumni are working – building companies and creating Canadian content that is seen around the world. He will be missed, but his legacy will ensure that the CFC remains a valuable part of the Canadian cultural landscape.”
During his 15-year tenure at the CFC, Klymkiw has “grown CFC’s reputation as Canada’s foremost institution that supports, develops and accelerates the content, careers and companies of Canadian creative and entrepreneurial talent in the screen-based and digital industries,” reads the release.
He led the CFC through growth and evolution in the screen industry as so many things changed in the business, “and was instrumental in launching a number of renowned and successful programs and initiatives to better position CFC alumni and Canadian creators for success in the global marketplace,” adds the release.
Klymkiw helped create the Netflix-CFC Global Project, the Fifth Wave Initiative, Ideaboost, the Slaight Family Music Lab, the CBC Actors Conservatory, VR doc lab Open Immersion, the CFC/Entertainment One TV Adaptation Lab, the Telefilm Canada Feature Comedy Exchange, and a collaboration with the Tribeca Film Institute, among others.
“When I first came to the CFC 15 years ago, I really didn’t know what to expect,” said Klymkiw, in the release. “I must say, it has been the most rewarding, challenging and joyous time in my career. It has been a privilege to grow Norman Jewison’s vision, and to work with a remarkable group of colleagues, board members, partners and alumni who have all contributed to this inspired calling.”
In the coming months, CFC’s Board of Directors will begin the process of identifying and selecting a new Chief Executive Officer. More information about this succession process will be shared in early 2021.
Prior to the CFC, Klymkiw spent more than 20 years at the CBC, departing in 2005 as the head of network television.
