Humber Polytechnic alumni Nick Tablac wasn’t originally planning to study film at the post-secondary level.
Tablac applied to Humber’s Bachelor of Film and Media Production program on impulse as he had a deep-rooted passion for filmmaking. Tablac figured he would likely wind up taking a different post-secondary program – he was considering psychology – but held out hope about Humber. When he found out he was accepted, Tablac was thrilled to get to explore his love for film.
“The program helped me greatly as I really didn’t have an idea of how anything worked in the film industry,” said Tablac with a laugh.
Humber taught him a great deal about film and media and imparted valuable skills. It also introduced him to a network of like-minded peers who have remained in touch and who share possible job leads to the group.
Originally from Manila, Phillipines, Tablac came to Canada as a boy and vividly remembers a film being shot outside his new home. It was a seminal moment for the youngster.
“I wanted to be behind the camera and creating all this magic and art,” said Tablac.
He lives in Toronto near the Humber Lakeshore campus and still frequently passes film and TV shoots near his home. The Lakeshore campus itself has a long history of hosting shoots including The Handmaid’s Tale, Suicide Squad, Strange Brew and Police Academy.
Tablac, who is queer, feels he has a sense of responsibility to tell stories of people who, like him, come from marginalized communities.
“I want to make films that people can connect to that empower and inspire them to create their own,” said Tablac. “I want to tell stories people haven’t been able to tell yet.”
Tablac was selected to participate in the Canada’s Walk of Fame’s Future Storytellers program, an initiative dedicated to discovering and empowering the next generation of film talent. His vignette is on Canadian figure skating legend Kurt Browning, who was inducted into the Walk of Fame in 2001.
Tablac expressed how creating the vignette deepened his appreciation for vulnerability and the unique stories that contribute to personal success.
“It taught me about the beauty behind vulnerability and how the experiences that are unique to each individual help shape a person’s legacy,” said Tablac.
He had thanks for professor Susan Murray for helping him with his Future Storytellers pitch and application.
“I’m so grateful to both her and the program,” said Tablac.
Overall, it was a tremendous learning opportunity for Tablac to direct the piece.
“It was my first big experience as a director, so I was a bit scared and overwhelmed at times,” admitted Tablac. “But I’m so grateful and excited for this opportunity as it helped shape me into a better filmmaker.”
Highlights of Future Storytellers are featured in Cineplex pre-show entertainment across the country, giving audiences across Canada a glimpse into the works.
To learn more about the Future Storytellers program or to watch Tablac’s film, visit the Canada’s Walk of Fame website.
Humber Polytechnic is more than just a place for higher education. It's a place where students come to reach their full potential; where they can find the person they knew was in them all along. In this Spotlight Series, part of Humber's The You You Knew Was In You campaign, we're highlighting current students and alumni who found the you that was in them, and gained their edge at Humber. Learn more by visiting humber.ca/you.
