The Whistler Film Festival Society has revealed the cohort for its newly-launched ScreenSask Producers Accelerator Lab, formed in collaboration with Creative Saskatchewan.

According to a Monday (June 9) release, the program – an expanded initiative of the Whistler Film Festival’s Talent Programs – is designed to aid in the development of six Saskatchewan-based producers developing original narrative or factual screen projects over eight months. This includes mentorship, group sessions and market development support as well as exposure at this year’s Whistler Film Festival and Content Summit.

The participants and their projects include Kelly-Anne Riess, whose documentary series Missing follows a detective who reopens the 40-year-old case of a missing teenage race car driver; Shawn Cuthand and his feature Private Gig, about a group of comedians whose rural tour turns into a nightmare; and Style Dayne’s 30-minute comedy series Staffed, following a disillusioned political staffer from Ottawa who relocates to Saskatchewan.

Others include Moniquea Marion’s series Shacked Up, following eight women and men ice fishing for romance, and Kyle Burgess’ Summer of Discovery series, about a teen struggling with identity who tries to solve the mystery of a haunted cabin at a summer camp for youth with disabilities.

Rounding out the cohort is Kaitlyn Van De Woestyne’s documentary Whale Song: Listening to a Changing Ocean, which follows scientists and Indigenous knowledge holders decoding the language of whales.

The festival’s program faculty comprises Angela Heck, the festival society’s executive director; Shelly Quade, talent lab programs manager; and Brendon Sawatzky, producer-in-residence.

“This initiative will give our producers direct access to top-tier national industry experts and equip them with the tools to elevate their projects to new heights,” said ScreenSask executive director Robert Hardy in a statement. “Programs like this are instrumental in showcasing Saskatchewan’s talent and ensuring our stories are represented on screens across the country and beyond.”

The 2025 Whistler Film Festival runs from Dec. 3 to 7.

Images courtesy of the Whistler Film Festival. Pictured top row (L-R): Kyle Burgess, Kelly-Anne Riess and Kaitlyn Van De Woestyne. Bottom row (L-R): Style Dayne, Shawn Cuthand and Moniquea Marion