The 10-month program began in Winnipeg in July 2023 with a six day in-person workshop. The 22 producer participants had the opportunity to introduce themselves and their companies and discuss their current slate of projects. Writers affiliated with their projects had the option to attend the workshop. A second workshop took place virtually over 10 days in November 2023 with writers again having the option to attend.
In March 2024, the producer participants reunited in-person for six days to learn from industry experts, engage in group work, network and further progress their career goals. It was a joy to observe the camaraderie between them.
The producers were invested in learning what will be needed to grow their companies while also rooting for each others’ success. There were spirited discussions, budding collaborations, confidence-building, information-sharing and genuine excitement at the careers that lie ahead for each of them.
The bonds they formed were evident in the original, hilarious, beautifully produced group videos they created and shared at the end of the workshop.
Workshop 3 opened with cedar brushing by Tsleil-Waututh Elder Gene Guss who also attended the final day of the workshop to send the participants on their way with singing and drumming.
There was an incredible amount of talent coming together from both program participants and local producers invited to attend select plenaries. The industry experts who presented plenaries and ran the group work sessions were generous in sharing their experiences, time, advice and encouragement.
Topics discussed throughout the workshop included company planning, festival strategies, recoupment schedule and distribution / sales issues, interim financing, case studies on company operation and distribution, fireside conversations about career strategy and the current state of the Canadian film and TV industry. These conversations and interactive sessions with industry experts were honest, reflective, unfiltered, intimate and relaxed.
Takeaways included the importance of establishing clear boundaries for work and life and being direct from the outset about your dos and don’ts, retaining passion for and in what you do, and being realistic about the challenges, along with the successes, in the lifestyle of a producer.
There was a focus on the importance of recognizing the difference between networking and building meaningful relationships, the importance of feedback and coming together to push for progress now and over the long haul.
Industry experts at the final workshop included group leaders Tamara Dawit and Diana Elbaum, María José Arauz, Todd Brown, Valerie Creighton, Leanne Harry, Karen Harnisch, Hilary Hart, Tom Hastings, Natalie Igelfeld, Jane Kim, Titus Kreyenberg, Lea Marin, Pierre-Emmanuel Mouthuy, Mathew Parry, Marielle Poupelin, Patrice Ramsay, Ken Tsui, Shirley Vercruysse, Robert Wong and Hédi Zardi. Yoga and stretching sessions were led by Farah Nazarali.
The Access BIPOC Producers program was deftly led by program advisor Jeff Peeler, senior programs manager Ursula Lawson, program manager Julie Hackett and program support Oyinkansola Bolaji-Idowu. Under their guidance and that of group leaders, the participants were well taken care of throughout the program.
Congratulations to all the producer participants involved in the program! We look forward to following their careers for many years to come.
Participants shared personal reflections on their time in the program. They were recorded live in front of an audience on March 23, 2024, the final day of workshop 3. You can listen to their reflections here.
Today is National Canadian Film Day! This day aims to unite us from coast to coast to coast in celebration of the power that stories have in bringing us together.
This year, we are honoured to share the short film premiere of Mâtinamâkêwin: The Offering, created by participants of the 2023 edition of CBC New Indigenous Voices, written and directed by Renée Courchene.
For today only, Mâtinamâkêwin: The Offering is available for exclusive viewing above from 12 a.m. CT to 11:59 p.m. CT.
After watching the film, please enjoy this Q+A with the film’s writer / director Renée Courchene and the National Screen Institute’s manager of programs and development Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill.
We hope you’ll watch the film again and again while it’s still available on our website. Tag us on Instagram @nsi-canada to share your celebrations with us. Show us how you’re making National Canadian Film Day special.
Happy National Canadian Film Day! Let’s celebrate the stories that connect us, today and every day.
About Mâtinamâkêwin: The Offering
Synopsis
An intimate glimpse into the life of Sylvia Bird as witnessed by the Clark Family. The film gives a unique perspective regarding mental health. Particularly an Indigenous perspective, highlighting how we are all interconnected and affected as spiritual people by trauma and how we have learned to cope, differing from the colonial narrative of mental health and alcoholism within Indigenous communities.
We are taught by the Elders to offer plates of food and tobacco out for the spirits we wish to feed. The offering exposes how the Clark family unintentionally feeds the spirit, when their true intentions are kind-hearted.
Produced by the students of 2023 CBC New Indigenous Voices, presented by the National Screen Institute.
2023 CBC New Indigenous Voices participants / filmmakers
Lisa Abel – M’Chigeeng First Nation, ON
Asha Bear – Tobique First Nation, NB
Lucas Boudreau – St. Laurent, MB
Sage Boulanger-McLeod – Berens River First Nation, MB
