Independent filmmaker Phyllis Ellis’s rich and diverse career has spanned over thirty years, with multi award-winning work as a director, writer, producer and actor. Her extensive body of work revolves around themes of justice, inclusion, and human rights, renowned for addressing social and political narratives while tackling crucial and confrontational issues.

As a documentary filmmaker she has challenged Big Pharma, International sport and governments working with whistle blowers and courageous individuals whose lives have been profoundly impacted and how their stories affect humanity.

In 2021, Phyllis received an Emmy nomination and was awarded Best Direction and Best Writing at the Canadian Screen Awards (CSA’s) for TOXIC BEAUTY; contributing to the removal of a deadly carcinogen worldwide with a viewership of 44 million people. Her feature documentary ABOUT HER, a touching journey into the lives of young women navigating life, love and breast cancer won the prestigious Donald Brittain award for Best Social Political Documentary Film at the CSA’s impacted awareness.  In the recently released critically acclaimed film CATEGORY: WOMAN,  she travels into the world of International sport exposing the profound stories of brave women fighting for their right to compete in the face of racism, gender discrimination and human rights violations and revealing the 100 years of sex testing women in sport.

“Filmmaker Phyllis Ellis of Toxic Beauty is helping to Change Our World”.
- Authority Magazine

Phyllis's films are characterized by portraying the world through the eyes of the people deeply impacted by the stories they tell and the truths they reveal. As a storyteller, she continues to push boundaries, fostering understanding, empathy and vital awareness and change for individuals, communities nationally and internationally.. Her work has been lauded for its ethical sensitive narratives.

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Phyllis believes in true allyship and reconciliation predominately in the Indigenous communities in northern Ontario.  She is a director of Weengushk Film Institute and Executive Director of The Weengushk Film Festival on Manitoulin Island.

Phyllis is increasingly sought after as a speaker for her unique perspective and life experiences using an empathy based approach building bridges towards personal, and global change.