Meet Madeline Fiore

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Madeline Fiore. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Madeline, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I find purpose in the things that inspire me. Inspiration, for me, is elusive—hard to pin down in words but ever-present in the smallest details of life. Whether it’s the way raindrops race down a window or the streetlights shine through the fog, I see beauty and meaning in the world around me. But at times, my thoughts can become overwhelming, racing in my mind until I need to let them out. Writing helps me release that mental clutter, allowing me to make sense of the emotions that weigh on me. The act of writing—of expressing every feeling—brings me a sense of calm and clarity.

Growing up, I’ve often felt misunderstood and lonely, like I’m waiting for something or someone who never comes. I’ve battled with overextending myself, seeking validation, and feeling overlooked. It’s easy to feel lost in a world where people come and go, where love feels fleeting. And yet, even in these moments of loneliness, I find inspiration.

I’ve had to learn to trust myself when others didn’t believe in me. While others told me to dim my light, I’ve fought to stay true to who I am. I’ve realized that I need to express myself to feel sane—to grow, to heal, to find meaning. This process has taught me resilience. I’ve learned not to let others’ doubts define me. I know people will tell me I’ll burn out, that I won’t be able to sustain my passion, but proving people wrong is a driving force for me.

Inspiration comes from every aspect of my life—the way I love, the way I feel, and even the way I hurt. It is all part of the fire that keeps me going, that pushes me to create and to strive for more. In these moments of struggle and reflection, I’ve found purpose, and that is what keeps me moving forward.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hello, my name is Madeline Rose Fiore. I am a writer, filmmaker, and artist based in Toronto, Ontario, and my passion for storytelling is deeply rooted in my experiences and my identity as a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

One of my proudest achievements is turning my self-published poetry book, *My Pocketbook of I Love You’s,* into a short film that has been recognized in various film festivals. It has received awards such as Best LGBTQ Film, Best Cinematography, and the People’s Choice Award. This project was an incredibly personal journey for me, and seeing it connect with audiences on such a deep level has been humbling.

More recently, I wrapped production on a short film titled *Road Trippin’.* This story follows two young women who, while on a road trip, discover love and connection, which beautifully parallels the secret relationship of their brothers. I’ve always felt it’s my responsibility to tell the stories I longed to see growing up—stories that reflect the lives and experiences of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. For me, representation is more than a checkbox; it’s about crafting authentic narratives that inspire and empower. *Road Trippin’* is currently making its rounds in the film festival circuit, and I’m excited to see where it goes and how it resonates with new audiences.

Beyond filmmaking, I’ve also been exploring other forms of art. Recently, I created collage art for the Vaughan Mills Pride campaign, a project that allowed me to combine my love for visual art with community activism. I also participated in “The Creative Mind Art Exhibition,” further expanding my artistic journey and connecting with other creatives.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue both my filmmaking and artistic endeavors. Storytelling, in all its forms, will always be at the heart of what I do, and I hope to keep creating spaces where underrepresented voices can feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: my ability to be observant, my big heart, and my resilience in finding the bright side of things. Being observant has helped fuel my creativity, allowing me to notice the smallest details in life and weave them into my storytelling. My big heart, while sometimes a challenge, has guided me to approach every project with openness and empathy, which helps me connect more deeply with my audience. Lastly, the ability to stay positive, even in tough moments, has been crucial in keeping me motivated and pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.

For those early in their journey, my biggest piece of advice is to *just do it.* It’s easy to get stuck in your head, doubting yourself or waiting for the “perfect” time, but trust yourself. You know more about yourself and your capabilities than anyone else does. Trust in your vision and take that leap—you’ll learn and grow along the way.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

The particular challenge I’m currently facing is the feeling that I need to focus on one area of being an artist. I worry that if I keep exploring new areas of storytelling, I’ll become a “jack of all trades, master of none.” However, through this challenge, I’m learning to be patient with myself and not restrict my creative instincts. I’m navigating the balance between giving myself the freedom to express in multiple forms, while also pushing myself to excel in specific creative mediums. It’s a learning process, but I’m finding that growth comes from allowing myself both exploration and focus.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Sequence Productions
Rebekah Rizzo
Izzy Liberatore

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