CARTER KIRILENKO
DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, CINEMATOGRAPHER
DIRECTOR | PRODUCER | CINEMATOGRAPHER
Carter Kirilenko is an award winning independent film Director & Producer, specializing in original and branded documentary production.
Carter's films explore themes of human resilience and our relationship with the natural world. He is based in Vancouver, and has built a breadth of experience filming across different cultures and physically demanding environments.
Carter's films have screened at festivals globally, receiving multiple awards such as People's Choice Award at VIMFF and "Best International Film" at Oregon Documentary Film Festival. Carter is a VIFF Catalyst Fellow, and produced films for companies such as BBC Storyworks, The Nature Conservancy, Waterbear Network, SONY and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. His work has been regularly displayed at the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) annual climate exhibitions. He is currently developing Upemba, a feature documentary exploring the fight to protect one of the last wildernesses in the Congo.
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 and holds CPR C & AED certification.
BRANDS
"Carter is a remarkably adept problem-solver with an innate ability to overcome the challenges that can often arise in the filmmaking process. His efficiency, professionalism, and calm demeanour provided a strong foundation for our team at CPAWS-BC, which ensured smooth progress and a final product that surpassed all expectations. His ability to create films that stir emotions, prompt reflection, and spark conversations is truly remarkable. It's more than just filmmaking with Carter. It's about creating real, lasting change. I can't recommend Carter enough."
Rippon Madtha
Director of Communications at CPAWS BC
PRESS
The Vancouver Sun
February, 2025
February, 2021
100.5 FM Conscious Living Network Radio
September, 2020
March, 2020
March, 2020
SCREENINGS & EXHIBITIONS
Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival
2025 Official Selection - Silent Sanctuary
Conference of the Parties (COP) 27 - Sharm El Sheikh
2022 - Dressing the Princess
Pacific Rim Film Festival
2022 Official Selection - Salmon Parks
Conference of the Parties (COP) 26 - Glasgow
2021 - Salmon Parks
Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival
2021 Official Selection - Leuser: The Last Place on Earth
McMinnville Short Film Festival
2021 Official Selection - In Your Palm
American Conservation Film Festival
2021 Official Selection - In Your Palm
Colorado Environmental Film Festival
2021 Official Selection - In Your Palm
Oregon Documentary Film Festival
2020 Official Selection - In Your Palm
Toronto Independent Film Festival
2020 Official Selection - In Your Palm
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Eco Film Award
Dressing the Princess
2023 - Science Film Festival
Peoples Choice Award
2021 - Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival
VIFF Catalyst Alumni
Mentorship program for emerging filmmakers
Best International Film
2020 - Oregon Documentary Film Festival
Best Short Film
2020 - Toronto Independent Film Festival
Best Student Film
2020 - Awareness Festival
Best Student Film
2021 - American Conservation Film Festival
FROM THE FIELD