A New Chapter for Ottawa Cinema: Introducing the Ottawa Film Critics Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa Film Critics Association Officially Launches to Strengthen Film Criticism in the National Capital Region

New organization brings together eight founding members committed to promoting film criticism, professional collaboration, and cinematic culture in Ottawa-Gatineau.

OTTAWA, ON – November 12, 2026 – The Ottawa Film Critics Association (OFCA) is pleased to officially announce its establishment, bringing together a group of film critics and journalists committed to promoting, supporting, and strengthening film criticism and cinema journalism in Canada’s National Capital Region.

Founded by eight members with a shared passion for cinema and critical discourse, OFCA aims to establish a stronger presence for film criticism within Ottawa-Gatineau’s cultural landscape while creating new opportunities for professional collaboration, cultural engagement, and dialogue about cinema.

The founding members of the Ottawa Film Critics Association are:

• Hugo Pagán Soto
• Keith Whittier
• Jith Paul
• Vladimir Jean-Gilles
• Matt Demers
• Keith Noakes
• Matthew Grieve

Created as a platform for collaboration, professional development, and cultural engagement, the association seeks to connect professionals working across print, digital, broadcast, and independent media. Its mission is to foster meaningful conversations about cinema, encourage diverse critical perspectives, and promote greater recognition of the essential role film criticism plays in the cultural conversation.

The association will work to establish relationships with local film festivals, cinemas, distributors, filmmakers, cultural institutions, and the broader film industry. Its initiatives will include facilitating access to screenings and industry events, organizing discussions and special programming, encouraging professional exchange, and creating opportunities for its members to participate in the wider national and international film community.

“Film criticism is an essential part of a healthy and vibrant film culture. It creates dialogue, provides context, challenges perspectives, and helps audiences engage more deeply with cinema. We believe Ottawa has the talent, experience, and cultural infrastructure to support a strong community of film critics, and this association is an important step toward bringing that community together,” said Hugo Pagán Soto, President of the Ottawa Film Critics Association.

Beyond supporting established critics and journalists, OFCA also hopes to encourage emerging voices and contribute to the development of a more connected and inclusive film criticism community. The association aims to strengthen Ottawa-Gatineau’s visibility as a destination for cinema, film festivals, and cultural discussion, while contributing to the recognition of the region’s creative and cultural industries.

Through collaboration and engagement with local and international film organizations, OFCA intends to become an active participant in the continued development of Ottawa’s film and media landscape.

About the Ottawa Film Critics Association (OFCA)

The Ottawa Film Critics Association is an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting film criticism and journalism in Canada’s National Capital Region. Through collaboration, advocacy, cultural engagement, and professional development, OFCA seeks to foster a stronger community of film critics while contributing to the appreciation, discussion, and critical study of cinema.

Media Contact

Hugo Pagán Soto
President
Ottawa Film Critics Association (OFCA)
Web: ottawafilmcritics.com
Email: ottawafilmcritics@gmail.com
Social Media: @ottawacritics