realist, ABSURDIST & melodramatic

Renowned filmmaker and media artist Jason Lupish has been helping to shape the cultural landscape of the Niagara Region since 2001. From photography and graphic design to stand-up and sketch comedy he wears many creative hats. Primarily recognized as an established filmmaker, Lupish has written and directed three feature films, numerous short films, music videos, and commercials.

Some of his notable works include "A Kind Of Wonderful Thing," "Kiss of Death," "Stranger," and the groundbreaking short film "NERDMAN or (The Unexplainable Imagination of Reece Fisher)"

His collaborative spirit has led him to work with renowned artists such as The Neverending White Lights, Tim Hicks, Great Lake Swimmers, Thunderclap, The Mandevilles, and The Tenors.

Lupish emerges as a filmmaker with a distinct humanist and feminist perspective, showcasing a profound dedication to inclusive storytelling throughout his impressive body of work. Lupish actively reinforces his artistic expression by prominently featuring strong female protagonists, gender nonbinary and LGBTQ+ characters, and exploring themes such as polyamory and alternative lifestyles.

This deliberate commitment reflects his aim to authentically depict the richness and diversity inherent in the human experience. By weaving intricate and authentic stories around these characters, Lupish not only challenges traditional narratives but also pioneers a path toward a more inclusive and equitable cinematic landscape.

Riley Goyette-Smith and Hayden DiMarco in the short film NERDMAN or (The Unexplainable Imagination of Reece Fisher) co-written and co-directed by Lupish and partner Erica Sherwood in collaboration with the Jarico Films for Youth Short Film Bootcamp 2023.

Lupish serves as a board member of the Willow Arts Community, advocating for low-barrier peer-to-peer arts education and fostering safe spaces for creative exploration, particularly for those with lived experiences of mental illness or substance use in Niagara. He is also a Board Member of the Rose City Comedy Collective; a studio, training centre, production company, and breeding ground for all types of comedy including improv, open mics, online content, and live shows

As one of the Directors of the Rose City Comedy Collective Lupish spearheaded "Laughs & Lattes," a monthly live stand-up comedy showcase that has evolved into a thriving YouTube channel with over 1800 subscribers. As a co-founding member of the comedy troupe Tip The Beef, Lupish explores the realm of ridiculously absurd sketch comedy via their YouTube Channel and Live Performances.

Driven by a passion for mentorship, Jason co-founded Jarico Films for Youth in 2017, a not-for-profit organization providing opportunities for young people to engage with the film industry through workshops, challenges, festivals, and events. In May 2024 Jarico is launching the first annual “Films for Youth Film Festival” in partnership with the DSBN, aiming to enrich the lives of 500+ students through film-related activities including artist-led workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, guest speakers, and a 72 Hour Film Challenge & Awards Gala.

music videos

storm force - Breathe

great lake swimmers - coming home (mini-doc)

the mandevilles - junkie

the mandevilles - hangovers

the mandevilles - get by

the mandevilles - the breakup

tim hicks - get by

the tenors - forever young

neverending white lights - act iii: Love will ruin

* winner: best action film, My RODE Reel short film competition

** Official Selection: Niagara Integrated Film Festival, Almost Famous Film Festival

*** Official Selection: Niagara Integrated Film Festival, Buffalo Niagara Film Festival, Fandependent Film Festival Winner: Best Niagara Rises Feature Film (NIFF, Honourable Mention for Directing (BNFF), Top 10 Canadian Films 2010, Top 5 Actresses in Canadian Film 2014, Top 10 Directors in Canadian Film 2014, Top 3 Films in Fandependet Film Festival Summer 2015

**** Winner: Top 10 Finalist 48 Hr Film Festival, Best Cinematography 48 Hr Film Festival

jarico films for youth

co-founder & Artistic Program director

2017 - present

Jarico Films for Youth is a not-for-profit Film Production company that provides professional learning opportunities for youth to explore their love of filmmaking and acting through workshops, and real-life opportunities in the film industry.

As the Artistic Program Director it is my responsibility to ensure a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment for everyone who engages with our programs. This includes fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and encouraging freedom of artistic expression. My role includes developing and executing our original programming season which includes Workshops, Challenges, Events and our DSBN Youth Film Festival launching in the Spring of 2024. I develop and implement outreach programs, communications and community engagement strategies to strengthen the organization's presence in the community. My role includes cultivating partnerships and forging new community connections, in an effort to grow contributed income through sponsorships and donations. My responsibilities extend to researching, developing, and writing project grant submissions, identifying opportunities to engage with funders, sponsors, and collaborators.

• Ensure a healthy, safe and inclusive work environment for all participants, staff and volunteers.
• Develop and implement outreach programs aligning with the company’s mission.
• Nurture and maintain current partnerships while fostering new connections within the community.
• Participate in media interviews.
• Cultivate and sustain positive audience relations.
• Lead the marketing team in planning and executing marketing and communication strategies.
• Lead strategies to grow contributed income, and identify opportunities to engage with funders, sponsors, and collaborators.
• Lead annual evaluation of the company's success.
• Research, develop, and write project grants.

• Lead the development and execution of our Workshops, Challenges & Events programming season.
• Maintain relationships with artists by engaging in contract negotiations and effective resource management.
• Provide promotional copy and facilitate the collection of artist information for promotion.
• Management of equipment/sets/costume/prop assets, as well as the supervision of venue rentals, service contracts, and fee-for-service contracts.

• Overseeing events and large scale projects such as Laughs & Lattes, Film Screenings and Galas, the Short Film Bootcamp, the World Premiere of NERDMAN, and the forthcoming 2024 Youth Film Festival.
• Manage production planning, marketing, communications, and provide oversight for event staff and volunteers.
• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to financial plans.
• Co-ordinate logistics such as venue setup, seating arrangements, and technical requirements.

• Attend all board meetings and committee meetings.
• Provide timely and relevant reports to the board of directors.
• Identify resources for and lead strategic and business planning sessions.
• Provide financial leadership, including annual budget development, monitoring, and oversight.
• Prepare Annual Reports

rose city comedy collective

board member & communications consultant

2019 - present

Rose City Comedy Collective is a studio, training center, production company, and breeding ground for all types of comedy. We teach improv classes, host open mics, create online content, and produce a variety of comedy shows.

Our Laughs & Lattes monthly stand-up showcases feature bother emerging talent hitting the stage for the first time like Nathalie Chow, as well as veteran touring comics like Jason Allen.

tip the beef - comedy troupe

co-founder, member

2008 - present

Born out of a passion for sketch and improv comedy, Tip The Beef delivers a medley of bizarre characters and mind-bending humour, transcending traditional boundaries to challenge perspectives and redefine social norms. With a robust presence on YouTube and a commitment to live performances, Tip The Beef offers a unique and engaging platform for audiences to experience the unexpected.

What began as a means to express creativity and flex our imaginative muscles through improv games and good old-fashioned goofing around has led to the creation of numerous sketches and live performances in Niagara and Hamilton.