Weengushk Film Institute Toronto Film Industry Tour a big success

TORONTO–Weengushk Film Institute’s Toronto student tour was an overwhelming success. The 16 – 20 November tour kicked off with Buffy Sainte Marie concert at the Royal Conservatory. The entertaining and inspiring concert ended with Buffy Sainte-Marie spending time encouraging the students to use their training to tell their own stories in their own voices. Other highlights included visit to Cinespace and Pinewood Toronto Studio where the students had an opportunity to see the sets for The Expanse and the Discovery set for a Star Trek series, a badgers basketball game, ending with a tour of the Scotia Bank Arena followed by Maple Leaf game that was watched from a private box, the Leafs took the victory.

On Monday, 19 November Hot Docs and TIFF at the Bell Lightbox hosted the participants. The daylong event included screenings of short films; pitches that were evaluated by executives from CBC, Corus, Bell Media, Ouat Media, DOC and the NFB followed a delicious networking lunch with TV industry executives at Milagro Cantina. The nervous students pitched TV concepts that were described as “fresh and innovative” by one broadcast executive.

Emily Savage, the youngest participant, in grade 12, part of a co-op program offered by the Ontario Ministry of Education commented, “This was an amazing experience. I not only had fun but I also learned a lot and met some great people who can help me advance my career in film and television.  Gage Arcand from Alexander First Nation in Alberta commented, “After this trip, I find myself to be very inspired, I have through WFIs Lab 1 Film Program learned that I have a knack for filmmaking, in addition to my music, I want to share and spread the messages and stories, that far too many do not hear, with a fresh perspective.” Zoe Manitowabi from Wikwemikong said “I learned that I am not alone and that I’m not the only who is afraid.”

Three of the students were also interviewed on BREAKFAST TELEVISION – direct link here

The tour was designed to introduce WFI’s students to some of the major players in the world of TV and film in Toronto providing them an opportunity to learn more about various career paths in the industry. WFI’s founder, Dr. Shirley Cheechoo stated, “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the all the people who warmly welcomed our group and freely shared information and their experiences. I am so very grateful and glad that the participants were introduced to the industry in Toronto.”

Weengushk Film Institute thanks all sponsors of the tour, including the following:

 Sprott Foundation

 Hot Docs

 TIFF

 Director’s Guild of Canada

 Brock University

 Pinewood Toronto Studios

 Cinespace Film Studios

About Weengushk Film Institute

Weengushk Film Institute (WFI) is a non-profit, charitable organization, an artist-focused film and television-training centre, dedicated to unlocking the creative confidence in marginalized youth.

Dr. Shirley Cheechoo, WFI’s founder and current Executive/Artistic Director, has grown the organization from its humble beginnings, which started with various workshops surrounding topics around film and media creation; to an organization with an impressive track record in the film and media industries. What is indisputable is the fact that WFI has been paving the way and clearing pathways for its target groups, despite obstacles.

While celebrating and sharing their voices, these emerging artists learn market leading and life skills, as they begin their path towards inspired and sustainable futures.  

Weengushk Film Institute (WFI) is partnered with Brock University where Dr. Shirley Cheechoo is serving her second term as Chancellor.  She is the first woman and first aboriginal person to hold this position.

 Contact: Gloria Panacheese

gpanacheese@weengushk.com

(705) 377-6011