Lights, Camera, Compassion - Celebrating the Man Behind the Camera
About this Event
Lights, Camera, Compassion – Celebrating the Man Behind the Camera
An evening of film, music, community and compassion in support of filmmaker, director and acting coach Neil Schell.
Join us on September 22, 2026, at Sirocco Golf Club for a very special evening celebrating the life, career and extraordinary impact of Neil Schell.
Walk the Red Carpet and enjoy an evening featuring three screenings of Neil’s short films, live music, a four-course dinner and silent auction, as friends, students, colleagues and members of the film and arts communities come together for the man who has spent more than three decades encouraging and supporting others.
For over 30 years, Neil has worked as an actor, filmmaker, director, producer, editor, writer, mentor and acting coach. Throughout his career, his greatest contribution may be the countless performers, filmmakers, writers and creative professionals he has encouraged, taught and inspired along the way.
On June 5, 2026, while travelling from Toronto to Uganda, Neil suffered a life-altering stroke. His flight made an emergency landing in Ethiopia, where he underwent emergency brain surgery. During his recovery, he also developed pneumonia. Despite facing left-side paralysis and a long road of rehabilitation ahead, Neil continues to communicate, persevere and fight his way forward.
Now, it is our opportunity to be there for him.
Lights, Camera, Compassion – Celebrating the Man Behind the Camera is being organized by Neil’s students, friends and supporters to honour the incredible impact he has had on so many lives while raising funds to assist with his ongoing recovery and rehabilitation.
The Evening
Walk the Red Carpet
Arrive in style and help us give Neil the premiere-night celebration he deserves.
Three Short Film Screenings
Experience a selection of Neil’s work on the big screen and celebrate the filmmaker behind the camera.
Four-Course Dinner
Enjoy a beautiful four-course meal at Sirocco Golf Club.
Live Music
Enjoy live entertainment by Timothy J.
Silent Auction
Bid on an exciting collection of donated experiences, dining, wellness, gift baskets, film-industry items and more—all in support of Neil.
This is more than a fundraiser. It is an opportunity for the community Neil has supported for so many years to come together, celebrate his remarkable career and show him that he does not have to face this next chapter alone.
All proceeds from the evening will support Neil’s ongoing recovery and rehabilitation.
Come walk the red carpet, celebrate the man behind the camera, and help us turn compassion into action.
Agenda
🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Cocktails, Red Carpet & Silent Auction
🕑: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
4-course Dinner with a screening of 3 of Neil's short films between courses
🕑: 08:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Live Music, Silent Auction continued
🕑: 10:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Event Wrap-up
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 161.08
