About Us

Arnon Melo, originally from Taquarituba, Brazil, is the Founder and President of MELLOHAWK Logistics Inc., a successful Canadian logistics company and immigrant success story. Since moving to Canada in 1990, he has focused on bridging cultures and supporting newcomers while celebrating his Brazilian heritage. A passionate advocate for Brazilian culture, Arnon has sponsored the Brazil Film Festival since its inception and currently serves as its Director in Toronto. He aims to expand the festival's reach, showcasing Brazilian filmmakers' creativity and promoting cultural exchange between Brazil and Canada. In 2021, he received the Order of Rio Branco Medal for his efforts to enhance Brazil's image abroad.

Andrea Gomes Giusti is a Brazilian producer and executive based in Toronto since 2021. With a post-graduate degree in Executive Production and Television Management, she has 18 years of experience in film and broadcast, collaborating with major companies like Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Disney, Discovery and Globo Channel. Her work includes over twenty productions, such as award-winning films and series recognized at festivals like Sundance, MIPTV and MIPCOM at Cannes. Andrea specializes in international collaboration, co-producing with countries like Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico, Canada and France. She actively promotes productions at major festivals, fostering cross-cultural exchange and showcasing Brazilian talent globally.

Ivonete de Sousa, born in São Paulo and educated in Brazil and Canada, is a professional with over 20 years of experience managing funding programs in the film and television industries. She has held roles at Ontario Creates and led initiatives to promote domestic film production. Recognized for her contributions to the Brazilian community in Toronto, she received the "Brazilian Women in Power 2012" Award. In 2022, she launched a consulting business focused on funding and tax credits for film and TV productions. She has produced a feature documentary called “Silver Screamers,” which will soon premiere in Austin, Texas, at Fantastic Fest and in Brooklyn, New York, at The Gotham Film & Media Institute. The film has also been invited to play at the Strasbourg International Film Festival in France and will premiere in Toronto in 2025.

Leandro Matos is an award-winning screenwriter and producer with over 150 credits, collaborating with major companies like 20th Century Fox and Netflix. He began with the series Cilada and created Os Figuras and De Cabelo em Pé, serving as head writer for If I Were You – The Series. His notable TV work includes Netflix’s Samantha! and Disney Plus titles, earning him the Brazilian Writers Guild Award for Best Writing in a Kids/Teen Series. In film, his works include In Therapy 2 and the hit Desapega!, nominated for Best Comedy Feature at the 2024 Brazilian Academy Awards. Leandro also has a strong presence in film festivals, having served as Head of Accreditation at the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival and programming events in Canada, including the Brazil Film Fest Toronto.