THE TEAM.
IAN HUI
Film Director
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Ian Hui is a Canadian Film Director. Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, he went to University of Colorado Boulder, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinema Studies & Moving Image Arts.
Ever since high school, Ian had had a deep affinity for the cinema. After graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder, Ian moved to Los Angeles and joined Hollywood Gang Productions as a development executive. After his time in Hollywood, he joined OdeonMedia as a Film Director in 2020 directing TV commercials and music videos. His recent works include: Imagine, White Crane, Rooftops, That Never Happened, No Distance Left to Run, and Dreams of Glory.
MICHAEL J. WERNER
Director
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Michael J. Werner has nearly forty years of diversified executive and entrepreneurial experience in international film sales and media consulting, specializing in the Asia-Pacific region.
Michael started his career with Manson International in the early 1980s and later joined Cineplex Odeon Films International as Senior Vice President of International Sales and the Summit Group as Executive Vice President. In 1995, Michael served as co-Asia Pacific Supervisor for Twentieth Century Fox International, and he became a media consultant for News Corporation in 1998, assisting the company to formulate media and distribution strategy in China. Michael became co-chairman of Fortissimo Films in 2000, a production and distribution company specializes in art house films for the global audiences.
Michael was awarded a Silver Hugo by the Chicago Film Festival for his contribution to world cinema in 2005, he also awarded a Golden Kinnaree for his contribution to Asian cinema by the Bangkok Film Festival. Michael was admitted as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Executive Branch) in 2006.
MNDENI DLUDLU
Development Executive
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Mndeni Dludlu brings more than seven years of international experience across South Africa, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Canada, working across film, theatre, education, and creative development.
As Development Executive at OdeonMedia, Mndeni plays an active role in advancing the company's projects through story analysis, creative planning, research, team coordination, and international growth initiatives. He has helped shape the company's efforts to position Always With You for Canadian and international audiences, championing a story whose themes of love, resilience, and family resonate across cultures and generations.
An award-winning filmmaker for his short film Indalo, Mndeni combines his experience as a writer, performance director, and educator to champion character-driven stories with lasting emotional impact and global resonance.
EMMANUEL CORTES
Writer & Researcher
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Emmanuel Cortes combines technical filmmaking experience with thoughtful narrative development, bringing a practical understanding of storytelling from both behind the camera and on the page.
At OdeonMedia, Emmanuel supports the ongoing development of the company's growing slate through story research, screenplay development, and collaborative writing, helping shape projects from early concepts through script development alongside the creative team.
His writing is informed by extensive research, strong narrative structure, and a commitment to creating authentic, emotionally engaging stories that translate naturally from script to screen.
