January 2025 Newsletter

From the Producers’ Chair

Hello Reader,

Toward the New Year

As we step into a new year, we’re reminded of George Eliot’s three phrases: “The world is awful. The world is much better. The world can be much better.”

It might seem paradoxical to hold these truths together, but it’s essential. To believe in progress, we have to embrace the complexity of the world as it is—acknowledging its flaws, celebrating its strides, and committing to what’s possible.

This perspective resonates deeply with us. Filmmaking is, in many ways, an act of belief. We take a blank page and imagine a world that doesn’t yet exist. We create, refine, and collaborate, knowing that our stories have the power to make someone feel seen, to spark a conversation, to nudge the needle toward better.

But progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of people like you—people who believe in the power of cinema and story, who show up, who stay curious, who dare to imagine what “better” looks like.

So, as we step into 2025, we’re asking ourselves: What’s worth building? What’s worth fighting for? And who do we want alongside us as we do the work?

This year, we’ll take risks. We’ll fail and try again. And through it all, we’ll stay committed to the stories that bring us together—the stories that remind us of what better looks like.

Because a better world isn’t just possible—it’s worth the work.

Warmly,

Helena & Anthony​
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Behind-the-Scenes / “The Quiet Canadians”

There’s a moment in every creative journey when you decide: This is it. The moment when you stop waiting for permission, for guarantees, or for the “perfect” time. Instead, you take a deep breath and commit to the leap.

For us, that moment is now. 2025 is the year of The Quiet Canadians.

It is the act of shipping your work—of showing up and doing the thing—is where the magic happens. It can be said, “The only thing that matters is, did you do the work?” That’s the mindset we’re taking into this year. We don’t know exactly how this story will unfold. But we’re not here to wait for perfect conditions; we’re here to create them.

Making a film is a series of bold, imperfect steps forward. This year, we’ll secure funding, lock in casting, and finalize our production plans. We’ll gather the best team and trust that each step will bring us closer to telling the story that’s been burning in our hearts since this journey began.

Will there be setbacks? Of course. Success isn’t guaranteed, but effort is. Showing up is. Believing in the process is.

So, what’s behind the scenes of The Quiet Canadians right now? A team that’s all in. A movie we believe in. And a year that’s going to test, challenge, and shape us into the filmmakers we aspire to be.

The future is unwritten, but the decision to create it is already made.

The Quiet Canadians Insider Intel /

As part of bringing The Quiet Canadians to life, we’ll be busy this month finalizing our application to Telefilm. Securing a portion of the funding through Telefilm is an opportunity to align and partner with more Canadian organizations and stakeholders in making this film the best it can be. We will share more updates in our February edition of Beyond the Frame!

While our monthly Beyond the Frame newsletter gives you an overview of everything happening at Habethy Films, Insider Intel is your ticket to stay in the loop with more frequent updates about The Quiet Canadians.

Be the first to hear about casting announcements, location reveals, and behind-the-scenes moments as they happen. Whether it’s a sneak peek at production design or a deep dive into character development, Insider Intel will give you the inside scoop on how this project is coming to life.

If you’re not already subscribed, click here to join the Insider Intel today:

Spotlight / Xing’er

In 2025, we have a second original movie project in the works: Xing’er: Origins.

Written and directed by Helena Thom, Xing’er: Origins is her personal passion project—a sweeping, character-driven story set against a mythical ancient backdrop. This film explores themes of honour, identity, and the power of legacy through the lens of martial arts and family bonds.

Helena’s vision for Xing’er: Origins is deeply rooted in her love for storytelling that blends rich cultural traditions with universal human experiences. While The Quiet Canadians is a spy thriller, Xing’er: Origins offers a different kind of intensity—one that’s both intimate and epic.

Xing'er: Origins is being developed to go into early preproduction after principal photography is completed on The Quiet Canadians. Check out and consider joining the Xing'er: Origins Community for updates by clicking here.​

In the Works / Expanding Horizons

At Habethy Films, our growth is determined by saying yes to the right things. Thanks to the relationships we’ve built and the work we’ve done over the past year, we’re now collaborating with international productions who have chosen British Columbia as the backdrop for their stories.

This opportunity isn’t just a testament to the talent and creativity of our team—it’s a reflection of what happens when you show up, do the work, and stay true to your vision. Producing these projects allows us to strengthen our craft, bring new stories to life, and contribute to the growing reputation of BC as a filmmaking hub.

We’re proud to be part of these partnerships, bringing our experience as Producers, Production Managers, Assistant Directors who can get movies made, using our unique approach to each production while continuing to develop our own passion projects like The Quiet Canadians and Xing’er: Origins.

Partnering With Us / Xing’er: Origins & The Quiet Canadians

Every great story needs a strong foundation—and the support of visionary partners who see the potential in bringing something bold to life.

The Quiet Canadians and Xing’er: Origins, are a celebration of resilience, identity, and storytelling that dares to imagine a world both familiar and extraordinary. To make these visions a reality, we’re looking for like-minded investors and sponsors to join us on this journey.

If you’re someone who believes in the power of independent filmmaking to shape culture, to connect people, and to inspire meaningful change, we’d love to talk.

Your partnership isn’t just financial—it’s about being part of a story that reflects the values and creativity we’re striving to share with the world.

If this resonates with you, or if you’d like to learn more about opportunities to partner with us, reach out. We’d be thrilled to explore how we can create something extraordinary together.

Your Turn / Join the Journey

Every story we tell is a conversation. It begins with an idea, shaped by our team, but it’s informed by you—the audience. Your perspective, your voice, your insight becomes part of the story’s legacy.

So, we’d love to hear from you:

• What’s a Canadian story you’d love to see told on screen?

• Which hidden gem of a movie has inspired you recently?

• If you could add your voice to one of our current projects (The Quiet Canadians or Xing’er), what would you bring to the table?

Reply to this email, share your thoughts, or send us a note. Who knows? Your idea, your perspective, or your inspiration might spark something extraordinary.

Because filmmaking isn’t just about what happens behind the camera. It’s about creating something meaningful, together.

END CREDITS /

Thank you for joining us for this month’s edition of Beyond the Frame. We hope you found inspiration in the updates and stories we shared, and that they sparked new ideas for your own creative journey.

Next month, we’ll take you further behind the scenes and share insights from our ongoing collaborations with international productions and the next steps in The Quiet Canadians and Xing'er: Origin's journies.

Until then:

• Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more updates, behind-the-scenes videos, and filmmaking tips.

• Share this newsletter with friends who might enjoy being part of our growing community.

• If someone shared this newsletter with you, click here to subscribe and join the journey.

You can also explore our blog, stay up-to-date with our news, or check out our films and masterclasses at habethyfilms.com.

Thank you for being part of Habethy Films. Your support helps us tell meaningful stories, and we’re so grateful to have you on this adventure.

Until next month ... stay inspired!
Helena Thom & Anthony Epp

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