Karen Harnisch

Karen Harnisch (she/her) is an Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Film Program Director at Toronto Metropolitan University's School of Image Arts. She holds a B.F.A. in Film Studies from TMU and an M.A. in Humanities, Social Sciences & Social Justice Education from OISE/University of Toronto. Her dual career combines academia with prominent film production roles.

As Co-President of Film Forge, Karen has produced award-winning films including SLEEPING GIANT (TIFF Best Canadian First Feature 2015), WHITE LIE (TIFF 2019), and INFINITY POOL (Sundance & Berlinale 2023). Upcoming projects include SHOOK and MIZERIA. She also serves as a line producer and production executive for studio/streamer-backed projects like FIRESTARTER (Universal) and SLIP (Roku).

Harnisch has participated in prestigious industry programs including TIFF Studio, EAVE Producers Workshop, and Torino Film Lab. Her work bridges academic instruction with hands-on industry experience in independent and mainstream film production.