DIRECTOR | CINEMATOGRAPHER | EDITOR

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Carter Kirilenko is an award winning Canadian film director with a love for the ocean.

Carter's films focus on stories about the human condition and our connection to the natural world. His work has taken him to over 20 countries, documenting conservation efforts in remote environments—from the Congo Basin to the South Pacific and the High Arctic.

 

Along the way, he has developed a diverse skill set as a director, producer, editor, and underwater camera operator. Carter’s adaptability enables him to wear multiple hats on smaller productions or step into a clearly defined role within larger collaborative teams.

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A VIFF Catalyst Fellow, Carter has created films for organizations including BBC Studios, WaterBear, The Nature Conservancy, Ocean Culture Life, Arksen and 10% for the Ocean. His work has been recognized at international festivals such as Bloomberg, Planet in Focus, and the United Nations COP climate conferences.​

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Carter holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (B.E.S) from the University of Waterloo, where he studied Environment and Business. He is a certified PADI Open Water diver, Free diver, and holds CPR C & AED certification.