FILM | COMMUNITY | ACTION
CHANGING THE WORLD
ONE STORY AT A TIME
About Michelle
Michelle Melles, MFA, is a Toronto-based documentary filmmaker, writer, multimedia artist and mental health activist whose work explores the intersection of personal experience and the broader social systems that shape our lives. As psychologist Carl Rogers once observed, “What is most personal is most universal.” This idea lies at the heart of Michelle’s artistic practice, using intimate, personal stories to question dominant narratives, challenge conventional thinking, and illuminate the complexities of the human experience.
With decades of experience creating broadcast documentaries, docu-series, and streaming content, Michelle explores complex social and personal themes through a deeply human lens. Her debut independent feature, Drunk on Too Much Life is Michelle's first feature-length independent documentary (co-produced and co-written with her husband Pedro Orrego, Drunk on Too Much Life weaves an intimate family story with a broader examination of psychiatric care, extreme states of consciousness, and the complex search for healing and recovery. Meeting the likes of renowned trauma specialist Dr. Gabor Maté and other cutting-edge voices, the family begins to question the widespread idea that mental illness is merely "faulty brain chemistry." They learn the myriad ways that madness has meaning that goes far beyond brain chemistry and find the tools to forge a new path towards recovery.
Michelle’s career began as a researcher and producer on the internationally syndicated, critically acclaimed Canadian docu-series SexTV where she delved into diverse global perspectives on sexuality, gender, and human rights. The show explored sexuality and gender around the world in an intelligent, cutting-edge and thought-provoking way. It was one of the first docu-series in the world to explore sexuality and gender using both observational and expository cinematic techniques. SexTV was described as “…a unique mix of informative, educational and cutting-edge features about the human sexual experience.” The series received eight Gemini Award nominations (now the Canadian Screen Awards) and won Best Lifestyle/General Interest Series in 2004. The experience of producing numerous documentaries on a range of topics that often highlighted strong women fighting oppression, enriched her storytelling and broadened her understanding of complex social issues.
For more than twenty years, Michelle has helped to produce and write/story-edit a diverse range of television productions across broadcast and streaming platforms (shows including Fashion Television before expanding her focus to include independent documentary filmmaking, multimedia artistic creation and mental health activism. She is the daughter of the Dutch-Canadian artist Henk Melles (1943-2026). Her latest documentary project will explore his life, art, and legacy.
Michelle has directed several short independent documentaries including When Schools Close for the Institute for 21st Century Questions. Dr. Irvin Studin was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his work on School Closures. She also directed the award-winning short documentary Grandmaster Moses about one of the most powerful martial artists in North America.
Michelle is a member and launch coach with the venerated U.S.-based filmmaker-run distribution company New Day Films that has provided social issue documentaries to educators since 1971. New Day sustains the ideas that inspired its formation—collaboration, hope, and social change.
She has gained invaluable experience at New Day Films designing impact campaigns that foster deep engagement, inspire meaningful dialogue, and motivate positive community action. She remains a committed mental health activist who aims to shift perceptions in mental health care, guide decision-making, encourage institutional reforms, and foster community building.
Areas of Focus:
- Mental Health, Psychology, and Social Work
- Trauma Studies
- Gender & Sexuality
- Women's Studies
- Arts & Community Activism
- Social Movements and Protest
- Marriage and Family
- Religion, Theology, and Ethics
- History
- Science and Technology
- Hospice Care, Death, and Bereavement
Background and Education
Michelle Melles holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Documentary Media from The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University (Gold Medal, 2021, summa cum laude); received the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) grant from the Canadian Government for her work in documentary filmmaking and mental health (2021), and holds a BA from the University of Toronto (high distinction; faculty scholar). She is of Dutch descent and married to a Chilean.