Industry experts offer creative and business mentoring to next generation Aboriginal filmmakers

The Whistler Film Festival (December 3rd to 7th) will present its second consecutive Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship, a two-day creative and business intensive designed to advance emerging Aboriginal writers and directors from British Columbia, as part of this year’s industry programming. “Storytelling is at the core of First Nations’ cultural heritage, and we are proud to be able to support yet again the continuation of that tradition for a whole new generation of storytellers with our Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship program,” says WFF’s Director of Programming, Paul Gratton.

The four Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship finalists include: Damien Eagle Bear with genre bending horror comedy THE BANNOCKING, Kelly R. Roulette with heartfelt drama SOMETIMES SHE SMILES, Steven Davies with an activist documentary THE RE-NAMING OF PKOLS, and Eva Thomas with documentary TRADITIONAL, ANCESTRAL AND UNCEDED.

“The high caliber of submissions in this second iteration of the AFF clearly demonstrates a strong desire in the community for mentorship and networking opportunities unique to Whistler Film Festival,” says Canadian producer and Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship program facilitator Elizabeth Yake. Mentors include: Actor, Writer, Director and Producer Lorne Cardinal, Producer Cynde Harmon; Director Carl Bessai, and Executive Director of Programming & Scheduling at APTN, Monika Ille.

Other industry experts participating in the program as advisors include Valerie Creighton, President and CEO of the Canadian Media Fund, Tania Koenig-Gauchier, Manager of Programming – Western Region, APTN, and Writer & Producer, Monique Hurteau.

Taking place December 5th and 6th, the program offers the four finalists an opportunity to gain valuable feedback and support from established members of the Canadian film community. Day 1 of the Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship focuses on short film script development with mentors offering constructive feedback and professional advice to help the finalists take their projects to the next level. On day 2, the finalists will participate in the WFF’s industry Summit Content Connections program where they’ll gain firsthand insight into the world of narrative short-form storytelling through a full day of panel discussions, pitches, networking and screenings with filmmakers and industry experts.

WFF’s Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship is sponsored by Creative BC, CMF, APTN, and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. WFF’s Content Connections day is sponsored by The Harold Greenburg Fund and Creative BC.

For more info please read full release on visit festival website