Kim Albright is a visionary award-winning director and Old Girl (‘95) who truly led by example during her time at ECS! She participated in student government in her early high school years, going on to serve as Head Prefect in grade 11. She also enjoyed a wide range of sports from basketball to tennis, as well as vocal jazz and choir. Needless to say, she was—and still is—an ECS girl who can do it all. It comes as no surprise that her career has been marked by accolades and global recognition.

Recently, we had the pleasure of catching up with Kim to chat about her favourite memories, career path and her latest film, “With Love and a Major Organ”, now in major cinemas across Canada. 

I studied Architecture at McGill, but wasn’t fully convinced it was what I was meant to do with my life, so I decided to move to London. I only intended to be there for 2 years, but I ended up being there for 15 years. I forged another career as a film director. I started out directing commercials and music videos whilst making my short films on the side. Around 2017, now with a family, we decided it was time to move back home to Canada. I’ve been based in Vancouver ever since. 

I had a very strong work ethic coming out of ECS. If you put in the work, you can do whatever you want in life. This has stuck with me ever since!

I really forged some amazing friendships whilst at ECS. There was a strong sense of camaraderie within the whole class, which was really special. I’m still close with some friends from ECS and I value these relationships a lot. 

Ask questions! Never take anything for granted. 

“With Love and a Major Organ” is a feature film that I directed, and is out in cinemas now. This film is based on a play of the same name. We shot the film in Vancouver a few years ago, and it had its world premiere at South By Southwest Film Festival in 2023. The film is a comedy/drama (with a bit of magical realism!) about a woman who rips out her heart to give it to the man she loves.

I remember feeling so pressed into knowing what career I would have when leaving high school. But in reality, it can take a long time to really figure this out. I would say be patient, try various subjects or career paths until you find the right one. 

Thank you, Kim!