When I think of Thea Loo, I think of a Bosslady–with a capital “B”! She is the one I go to when I need help on a project because I know she will use her uncompromising power to get it done. I first noticed her tenaciousness when we met at Simon Fraser University’s film program a little over ten years ago. We became close collaborators and found a mutual passion for telling authentic, impactful stories that resonate with the Asian Canadian experience. Our first film after graduating, No More Parties (Dir. Natalie Murao, 2020), would not have happened if it weren’t for Thea’s strength and generosity as a producer. The film was a success and went on to screen at Sundance, Palm Springs ShortFest, and TIFF Next Wave. Since then, Thea’s producing career has steadily grown, with short films such as To Make Ends Meat 心頭肉 (Dir. Kimberly Ho, 2022), Smoke Eater (Dir. Gloria Mercer, 2022), and Toe Pick (Dir. Teresa Alfeld, 2024). Always open to learning, Thea is an alum of the TIFF Series Accelerator, Reelworld Producers Program, and CMPA BC Production Mentorship (with Opus 59). She has worked in the Learning & Education Department of The Cinematheque since 2018, and has shared her filmmaking knowledge on panels at the Banff World Media Festival, VIFF Catalyst Mentorship Program, and EXNW Summit. To Thea, education is evergreen. I have learned a lot from her and hope to continue to do so in the future. As I’m usually the one directing, it is a pleasure to see Thea take on the role with her upcoming documentary, Inay (Mama). The film investigates the flawed immigration pathways between the Philippines and Canada that kept many children from their mothers. It addresses issues of migrant labour, family separation, and trauma in the Filipino community, while reconciling with the aftermath. Flipping the camera onto herself and her family, Inay is an intimate yet challenging film that I am proud to see shared with the public. It will have its world premiere at the 47th Asian American International Film Festival in New York City.
– Written by Natalie Murao, director and friend
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Which neighbourhood are you in?
North Vancouver
What do you do?
I’m a producer in Vancouver’s independent film scene, working on both narrative short films and documentaries. By day, I work as the Learning & Outreach Coordinator at The Cinematheque, where I help lead filmmaking workshops and a variety of cinema-related programs for the community.
What are you currently working on?
Right now, I’m preparing for a short film shoot happening this December in Japan, which I’m very excited about. I’m also working on the festival run for my latest documentary, Inay (Mama), and organizing community screenings for the film next year.
Where can we find your work?
You can find more information about my work on my website. My past works are available online on the following platforms:
-Blue Garden (dir. Natalie Murao) – CBC Gem
-Smoke Eater (dir. Gloria Mercer) – Crave
