The Spindle Films Foundation has named the inaugural cohort of its six-month mentorship program for transgender, non-binary, two-spirit and gender-diverse Canadian filmmakers.

The Toronto- and Calgary-based company, founded by Calgary-born director J Stevens, launched the program last August to give emerging filmmakers the opportunity to overcome barriers and access professional development and network-building support.

Nine filmmakers were selected for the program’s first year, including Toronto-based writer-director-producer Tristen Sutherland, the Siksika Nation-based filmmaker Suitaakii Motoyi, Toronto filmmaker Raghed Charabaty, Toronto writer-director Onyeka Oduh, and Tiohtià:ke/Montréal-based filmmaker Nancy Pettinicchio.

Rounding out the participants are Tiohtiá:ke-based writer-actor Lior Maharjan, Edmonton-born playwright and producer Elena Belyea, Toronto director Dylan Mitro, and Toronto-based writer-actor-director A.C. Birch.

The Spindle Films Foundation also named the three program mentors: Dene and Métis writer and performer T’áncháy Redvers (Sullivan’s Crossing), B.C.-based writer-director-producer Jem Garrard (Vagrant Queen), and Canadian-Italian writer-director Luis De Filippis (Something You Said Last Night).

The program kicked off last week with its week-long, in-person intensive in Banff, Alta., and included guest speakers such as writer-producer Sasha Leigh Henry (Bria Mack Gets a Life), director Zoe Hopkins (Little Bird), actor and director Hannah Cheesman (Something Undone), cinematographer Guy Godfree (Brother), and actor Javelin Laurence.

Following the intensive, participants will be job shadowing and put on placements on various film and TV sets, and will be receiving monthly check ins. The program is run by Stevens, actor-writer August Winter and actor Breton Lalama.

“There is power in being in a room of folks who have similar lived experience and who are working toward the same goal,” said Stevens in a statement.

“We have a cohort of incredible artists who are all making exciting work in their own right. All we are aiming to do is support their practice and attempt to give them as many tangible tools as we can to get to the next step in their careers. I cannot wait to see what these folks do in their careers. I have no doubt it will be powerful, important and create ripples in the landscape of the Canadian film industry,” they continued.

Image courtesy of Spindle Films Foundation