Anneli Elisabeth Ekborn
Peacefully, at Toronto Western Hospital on July 15, 2021, 42 years young.
Cherished daughter of Jean and Stefan Ekborn, beloved sister of Jenna and husband Symon , adored and adoring auntie of Liam, Caleb and Owen. Loved niece of Elizabeth and Peter and Göran and Eva and cousin to nine in England and Sweden. Dearest friend to countless others.
Anneli was a caring and generous person who shared whenever and whatever she could. She filled her life with excitement and adventure. She lived in England, Canada and Hong Kong. Her many passions included; music, travel, food, sailing, swimming and friendships.
She also loved loved film, which she chose for her career. She was very successful as an independent film producer and won many awards. She was a mentor/ instructor/alumnus at CFC, NSI, York and Humber film programs and travelled all over the world to film festivals where she made countless friends.
Her motto was DREAM BIG, which she did, and she accomplished most of her dreams.
A Celebration of life will take place in the coming months when restrictions allow. Details will be posted here.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to Anneli’s CFC bursary fund for Emerging Women Filmmakers- http://cfccreates.com/support/cfc-bursary-fund-in-memory-of-anneli-ekborn
Beth Jones
I was shocked to hear of Anneli’s passing. I will remember as an inquisitive and reflective young girl from her days on Yonge Blvd. I have fond memories of being at the Eckborn cottage, where Anneli and Jenna taught my girls the ways of cottage life, including the making of flower wreaths for their hair for the holiday of St.%Lucia. Rest In Peace, Anneli. You grew to be an accomplished young woman who will be remembered by so many.
Sarah Bachinski
I’m so sorry to hear about Anneli’s passing. I knew her during our time together at the Canadian Film Centre. She was so kind, funny, smart and talented. I’m truly sorry for your loss.
Salimah Nasser
I was so sad and shocked to hear about Anneli’s passing. She was a great person and i am so glad we got to meet her. She has a lovely family and I am sure she is an angel above watching over her dear family and friends
You will be missed, we are taking care of your mom and dad
Dear neighbours – the Nasser’s
Michael Morehouse
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I met Anneli at SFU and she always seemed a wondrous soul with a powerful voice. A piece of writing she shared in one class touched me and helped raise me out of a profound depression, and I’ve held much love for her for that gift, though I never told her how much it meant to me. She’ll be sorely missed.
John Greyson
I’m truly heartbroken. Anneli and I worked together on a couple of my films, and she was truly one of the warmest, kindest and most creative people I’ve ever had the good fortune to work with. She brought such warmth into every room — and her care and consideration for everyone on the cast and crew made all the difference. I learned so much from her — practical stuff, sure — but more, such a generous way of being in the world. Her passion, enthusiasm and her unforgettable smile… all sorely missed.
Jag Sohal
I knew Anneli for a short time, teaming with her briefly to try to develop a film project together. She was a passionate and warm person, who had a good heart and kind soul. I always appreciated our chats and her encouragement and enthusiasm always made me believe she was a special person. I am glad to have known her and my sincerest condolences to her loved ones.
Ylva Ekborn
My warm hearted and talented cousin Anneli has left us far too early. I am heart broken and send my sincerest confolences in this time of sadness and loss ♥️
Ulla & Leif Gabrielsson
We were shocked, sad, and heartbroken to hear about the loss of your beloved daughter Anneli. We send our deepest condolences and love.
Robert Fisher
Anneli was one of the kindest people I ever new. Her and her family took me in when I was going through a very tough time and helped me in ways I can’t fully express.
I loved working with her, laughing with her, and talking to her for hours.
My deepest condolences to her family. She will be remembered and missed.
Dev Raha
I don’t use the words heartsick or heartbroken very much, but today, I am. Anneli was one of the sweetest, kindest, most gentle women I’ve ever had the fortune to come across and she made a difference in a lot of lives in her own quiet way. We lost one of the good ones.
RIP you beautiful, gentle soul.
Gina Bucci
I am very sad to hear about Anneli’s passing. She was a caring and passionate woman. She was a champion to those who’s work she encouraged. I will miss her.
My sincere condolences to all her friends and family.
Gina Bucci
Tyler Levine
Anneli was truly one of a kind. I’ve never met anyone like her and I never will. We were in the same CFC Producer Lab class in 2004 – a fairly intense experience. In my mental image of those times together with Anneli – no matter what was going on – she’s always smiling. Not just any smile either. One that came from deep down. She seemed to see something beautiful and amusing in every facet of our world, no matter how mundane. I’ll miss her very much.
Michael Marino
Condolences to Anneli’s family for this sad loss. She taught me at Humber’s FMTV program where she was always enthusiastic, positive and supportive of all of her students. Anneli was without a doubt a positive influence on many who had a true joy for what she did. She’ll be dearly missed.
Annie Szamosi
Anneli was a cherished colleague of mine at Humber. I enjoyed her infectious smile and enthusiasm for life, teaching, and her students. Her impact on the film community will be sorely missed. Condolences to her friends and family.
Jonathan Jude
Incredibly saddened by the news of Anneli’s passing. As one of her students, she taught more than film production she talked a lot of tenacity, teamwork, and always striving for more. My condolences to her family.
Dana Chevalier
RIP creative filmmaker & good friend – Anneli Ekborn. My deepest condolences to her parents Mr & Mrs Stefan Ekborn in the Beaches & Anneli’s beloved sister Jenna in Scotland along with her husband & kids. I knew Anneli through the world of Film when I photographed her & we met during some Female Film Festivals that we attended together in Toronto. Since I was a teacher/photographer/writer & involved in the world of Improvisation (Second City in Toronto) we instantly clicked as friends. So on 1 occasion I brought her to meet Jennifer Candy (RIP John Candy’s daughter)doing a live broadcast at 2nd City. We met Eugene Levy & his son Daniel Levy after the show & took photos with them. I have been at your home to have Swedish fondue which Anneli made while we watched her early student films in the basement. We kept in touch to dance while listening to singer Carole Pope & Cindy Lauper during a concert in Toronto a couple years ago. If I knew she was deathly ill I would have visited her in the hospital. I am so heart broken that she is gone as we were good creative friends over the last 8 years. I would love to be in touch with Anneli’s parents sometime over the phone or email. You can find me on Facebook (Dana Chevalier) or email: ArtsySerenity@gmail.com as I would welcome to extend my sympathy in person. This is a tragic loss for all of us. Plz let me know how I can console you? May I send you some photos of Anneli from our adventures at these concerts perhaps?
Rayne Zukerman
Am so saddened to hear of Anneli’s passing. Anneli was a do-er, she got stuff done. When she was committed to producing a film, she was going to find a way. I will miss her playful spirit, she always led with her heart, but was such a force in propelling projects forward. I will miss you Anneli. Rest in peace.
Nadia Pavici
I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Anneli. Anneli was a very special friend and will always hold a place in my heart. My condolences to Anneli’s family.
Brendan Roy
We are so sad to have learned of Anneli’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Love from Aimee and Brendan
Haad Bakshi
In our current time of everyone looking out for oneself, Anneli was a truly caring person and that is something I will remember about her and pass on to others through my actions. I am glad I got to meet her and know her as a friend and a mentor.
Toni Ellwand
So saddened to hear this news! I had the pleasure of working with her on a CFC film and she was lovely!
Kathleen Fobert
Anneli was an amazing professor at Humber. She was always so supportive of all her students and went above and beyond when helping us achieve our visions. A true role model and she will be dearly missed.
Iolanda Santos
Anneli will forever be one of the kindest people I’ve ever met and one of the biggest inspirations for me. She was an incredible teacher, mentor, colleague and above all, close friend. She shaped me and helped me find myself professionally and always made me believe in myself.
One of my favourite things is to hear about all the stories people have with her, which are all about her positivity and kindness. She knew what life was all about and I intend to keep following in her footsteps.
I will miss our video calls, our rants about the state of the world and her movie recommendations.
Mrs and Mr Stefan Ekborn, I hope you know how loved she was. And I will always be here to keep helping you in whatever you need!
A big and warm hug from Portugal.
Avi Federgreen
I am truly heartbroken by the loss of my friend and fellow champion of Canadian Emerging Filmmakers. Anneli was always so supportive and filled with encouragement. She brought a lot of joy and live to so many peoples lives and I truly will miss her energy, positive attitude and no is not an option approach. Miss you Anneli xo
Kathleen Fobert
Anneli was an amazing professor at Humber. She was always so supportive of all her students and went above and beyond when helping us achieve our visions. A true role model and she will be dearly missed.
Linda Ferguson
Anneli’s family, the Ekborn’s, neighbours in North Toronto adopted one of our kittens, “Fleur” many years ago. Fast forward to CFC and Toronto Film Studios and Heward Studios a number of years later. A lovely reconnection with Anneli and pictures of “Fleur” still flourishing at the time. Our mutual love of the film business solidified our reconnection. I will be forever grateful to have known Anneli.
Andy Marshall
I’m very saddened to hear of Anneli’s passing. Our paths crossed at the CFC, when I was production supervisor on a film she came back to produce, Burgeon & Fade. She was always a lot of fun – that wry smile was present 90% of the time, regardless of the situation. It was always a good time whenever we bumped into each other. My condolences to her parents and family – she was special to the film community in Toronto, I can only imagine how special she was to you. May you experience some peace and silver linings during this time of grief.
Nicole Colangelo
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Anneli. I had the greatest honour of having her as one of my professors at Humber college and she was always such a caring and loving person and she helped me a lot through my years in Humber. She will be immensely missed. Sending my thoughts and prayers to her family and friends
Scott Smith
I’m so saddened by the loss of Anneli – such a charming, funny, and positive person who lit up the room every time I saw her. The room will be forever darker without her – I am so glad to have crossed paths with her in this life. My deepest condolences.
Terry and Yvonne
All our love.
Tasso Lakas
Anneli was a huge TiPster supporter, an amazing teacher of film, and had a passion for life as do many in our community of Motion Picture Producers and Creators. Invited by her annually to give a guest lecture at Humber it was the only time we would have an opportunity to get together she was always busy, but always had time when we bumped into each other on the social film circuit to catch up. Far too young to be taken, and obviously respected by all her colleagues in the industry. Simply, hard to believe. I will miss her and now will have to wait until she whistles by when travelling the universe. Bless your soul and whoever took you from us please make it for a higher purpose. Saddened there was so much more to come.
Marty Moreau
I’m very sad to hear of Anneli’s passing. While I never had the pleasure of working with her, she was a client of ours at Technicolor. She always took time to stop by the front desk for some lovely chat, like we were old friends. Such a light. My deepest condolences to Anneli’s family and friends.
Lynsey Hamilton
My deepest condolences to all of the Ekborn family, who I know Anneli loved so very much! Anneli was an absolute force, so talented and warm hearted. I am devastated at the shocking news, she has left a tremendous hole in this world.
Dr. Matt Warren
I studied alongside Anneli at Simon Fraser University, she appeared in one of my video works and went on a couple road trips with her to Seattle during that time. I only associated with her for a short amount of time 20+ years ago, but it made an impact for sure. Very talented, a total sweetheart and fun person to be around. My sincere condolences to the family all the the way from Tasmania, Australia.
Adam Giczi
My best memories with Anneli was the time I made my first solo student short film in Film & Television Production. Where she helped me sort out what I had to do to put together my film in time for shooting. I also remember how she kept my sticky notes that I would place on my hand-in assignments, where I wrote “Get this to Anneli Ekborn!” on them. When I asked about them, she remarked that it made her feel important. She indeed was.
I’m upset that I won’t be able to say thank you to Anneli again. She was incredibly kind and patient with me, someone who I could comfortable asking for her help whenever I had questions, just to make sure I was doing things right.
My deepest condolences go out to all of Anneli’s friends, family, and colleagues.
Torsten Sjögren
Dear Anneli!
Thank you for all the rewarding moments I have experienced with you ever since our first meeting in connection with your baptism. We’re going to miss you a lot and a long time.
Torsten Sjögren
Jordan Gross
A rare gem, genuine, generous and passionate. I’m fortunate to have had the privilege to know her and to learn so much from her. You will be missed dearly.
Chetan Mehta
Dear Anneli:
I am saddened to hear about your premature passing. We worked together very briefly but it was really quite memorable. I hope our paths cross again in another lifetime
Chetan
chris Morley
I met with Anneli many times over the last year and a half on a project we were collaborating on. She was one of the kindest and considerate people I have ever met. She was a wonderful human being and a joy to work with. My heartfelt condolences to her family, which she sometimes spoke about with great love and caring. She will be dearly missed I am sure by us all.
Elizabeth Marshall
Anneli’s mum Jean is my cousin, my only relative from Britain in Canada. Although I live in Vancouver, and Jean and her family in Toronto, I developed a special bond with Anneli when she studied at Simon Fraser University out here. I remember watching “Citizen Kane” with her for a project. I loved her zest for life and her range of interests – we had good discussions about the books we had both read. I was devastated to hear of her death – way too young with not nearly enough time for her to accomplish all that she could have achieved. My thoughts are with Jean and Stefan and their family and I hope that their hearts will heal with time.
Elizabeth Marshall
Mars Horodyski
Anneli was such a wonderful person with a generous heart and an infectious laugh. She was always bringing new people together and jumping head first into passion projects – supporting the creators behind them. We couldn’t have made our feature film Ben’s at Home without her. I know she helped so many others get their projects off the ground. She really was a special person.
I will really miss her beautiful energy and the sincerity in her smile (which was a constant). A true collaborator.
I’m so happy to know that there is a bursary set up in her honour. That would have made her smile for sure.
Babs Hopkinson
So so sorry to hear this news about Anneli, she was a wonderful human being with a heart of gold, I worked with her on two of her short films while she was still at the Canadian Film Centre, she was a mentor, and very sharing of her knowledge in film, she was very encouraging and an inspiration, she’s gone too soon. My condolences and blessings to her family at this very difficult time. R.I.P Anneli.
James Battiston
I had the pleasure of working on a number of Anneli’s projects Anneli when she was a resident at the CFC, and early in her career after. Her fearless, tireless approach was truly inspiring.
My condolences.
Jennifer Mullie
I was so shocked and saddened to learn about Anneli’s passing. I knew her and worked with her in the CFC days and enjoyed her so much. Her great sense of humour, the ever-present smile coupled with her hard-working attitude made her a joy to work with. My sincerest condolences to her family.
Tara Samuel
Dearest Jean, Stefan, Jenna and family, I am yet another heartbroken friend and admirer of your precious and amazing Anneli. What grief and loss you must be feeling; my own shock at this loss is nowhere near your own. Along with so many others, Anneli was integral to my own belief and excitement about all that is achievable in this world. No limits. She was and is a force of light, of beauty, of laughter, of great mischief, and of total possibility. I cherish her exact, distinct, unique, sparkling, playful, inventive, passionate, clever, fiercely collaborative and unifying spirit, for always always always. See you in all of the realms to come, dear beautiful Anneli. And to your family Anneli, I am here for them – for you – in any way that I can be of help, for always. Please contact me for any reason, dear Jean, Stefan and Jenna, any time, even just to talk, to cry or to laugh, or to hear more stories of your remarkable Anneli. Fierce love, Tara
Valerie Rixon
What an incredible loss to us all, but especially to Jean, Stefan, Jenna and family, her devoted fans. I feel that such a strong family unit enabled Anneli to flourish in the world knowing that she had an incredible support group cheering her on at every turn. She was a special child right from the beginning. She looked at the world in her own unique way and stayed true to her dreams. And she certainly astounded us all with her accomplishments, a legacy that will keep her alive for many.
However, my fondest memories of Anneli was time spent with her at the Ekborn Cottage where those little girls played together endlessly. Her gentleness with Jenna and Julia was lovely to see. I can just picture her now with that big, beautiful smile that she wore throughout her life.
Anneli, I am so sad that you left us xx