DISCUSSION PANELS
A SERIES OF PANELS THAT WORK TO EXPLORE THE THEMES OF OUR FILMS BEYOND THE LENS OF FILMMAKING.
These panels take a deeper look at indigenous issues and climate action, race theory, black history and education in Canada, and queerness and religion.
With Wonder & Emergence:
Out of The Shadows
Queer, Religion, and Culture
A discussion on the intricacies and intersections between religion, culture, and queerness. This discussion will examine the role both religion and culture play when discussing queerness. Queer indviduals are often expected to choose between their religious beliefs and cultural communities or their queerness.
MODERATOR
Nam Kiwanuka
TV Personality
Journalist
TVO
PANELISTS
Sharon Lewis
Filmmaker
With Wonder
Alex Sangha
Producer
Emergence
Lama Sami
Queer Muslim Activist
Vinay Giridhar
Filmmaker
Emergence
In The Rumbling Belly of Motherland
The Past and Future of Afghan Women and Afghanistan
As recent events in Afghanistan unfold, it more important than ever to hear the voices of those directly affected. This conversation will explore what the future holds for Afghan women and journalism in now Taliban controlled Afghanistan. It will examine how the promise of liberation through imperialism impacted Afghanistan, and what the after effects may look like. This conversation will be paying close attention to ideals of feminism, what it means for Afghan women, and whether or not the promises of feminist liberation were fulfilled.
MODERATOR
Tahmina Aziz
Multimedia Journalist
CHEK News
PANELISTS
Brishkay Ahmed
Filmmaker
Shogofa Ediqi
Journalist
Khaleda Rasheed
Journalist
Anonymous
Journalist
Freshtha Mahboby
Journalist
Fereydoon Rehmani
Professor/Expert
Reza Sameni
Translator
Mr. Emancipation: The Walter Perry Story & African Redemption & From Patrice to Lumumba
Black History in Canadian Education
Oftentimes Canada is believed to be the antithesis of the United States, and a safe haven to which many Black people fled to escape persecution in the United States. However, Canada’s role in perpetuating the same cycles of oppression is seldom discussed. This discussion strives to uncover the blind spot in the Canadian education system, in regards to Black history and how the country has been continuously reluctant to teach Black history in schools. The talk will explore the ways in which Canada can work to improve on a systemic basis, and how the education system must be amended to include a deeper understanding of Black history, while working toward tangible means of progress.
MODERATOR
Rosemary Sadlier
President of Ontario Black
History Society
PANELISTS
Patrick Kabeya
Director
Patrice to Lumumba
Roy T. Anderson
Director
African Redemption
Preston Chase
Filmmaker
Mr. Emancipation
Andrea Davis
Professor/Expert
Rosy Douge-Charles
Professor/Expert
ECHOES & Comb Sister
Mixed Medium Films
A look into understanding mixed medium films and how they are used in storytelling. This conversation will examine how different mediums are used and successfully executed.
MODERATOR
Samah Ali
Programmer
PANELISTS
Andrew Seok
Director
Echoes
Atefeh Khademolreza
Director
Comb Sister
Jeff Madden
Actor
Echoes
Raghed Charabaty
Filmmaker
Taien Ng-Chan
Expert
YorkU AMPD
Sin La Habana
The Illusion of Progress
This discussion will work to explore the nuances within marginalization. Often we speak about progression without understanding the full extent of what we might be leaving out. This conversation will look at how factors such as class must further inform our understanding of anti-racism. It will also look at the ways in which different immigrant experiences differ, and the ways in which race and class play a role. This discussion will further explore how different forms of oppression and racism exist within already marginalized communities and how we must work to dismantle them.
MODERATOR
Samah Ali
Programmer
PANELISTS
Kaveh Nabatian
Filmmaker
Rosy Douge-Charles
Professor/Expert
Pablo Herrera
Co-Writer
DƏNE YI'INJETL | The Scattering of Man
Indigenous Sovereignty and Climate Action
A conversation examining environmental racism and indigenous sovereignty, with close attention on the importance of preserving land and the environment. With promises of tackling climate change, how has the Canadian government continued to fuel it, while Indigenous communities pay the highest price? The conversation will centre on the importance of decolonization, and indigenous sovereignty as a core tenet on the path to climate justice.
MODERATOR
Victoria Anderson-Gardner
Filmmaker
PANELISTS
Luke Gleeson
Director
DƏNE YI'INJETL | The Scattering of Man
Courtney Skye
Activist
Protect The Tract
Policy Development Expert
Angele Alook
Assistant Professor
York University
A Brief Record of My Father's Time at Sea
Preserving Memory and Culture
This discussion will centre around the importance of preserving one’s cultural identity and familiar roots. It will explore the journey of immigration, and its effects on familial relationships. This talk will further work to explore the ways in which rediscovered memories and traditions can be used to connect back to cultural and traditional roots, and reconnect with family.
MODERATOR
Andrew Chung
Filmmaker
PANELISTS
Jeanette Kong
Filmmaker
A Brief Record of My Father's Time at Sea
Linda Dunlop
Writer, Editor and Producer
Gavenesh Patel
Motion Graphics Editor
La Fortaleza & 8:37 REBIRTH
Cinematography and Message
The visuals of a film are one the key facets that support its storytelling goals. In this discussion, the importance of cinematography and how it is used to further the story will be explored. The talk will look at how these films successfully used visual storytelling to create a more immersive experience. It will further explore the technical aspects of cinematography and the ways in which these films achieved their final visuals and how this was used to convey its message.
MODERATOR
Radheyan Simonpillai
Film Critic, Culture Editor and Pop Culture Columnist
Bell Media
PANELISTS
Jorge Thielen Armand
Director
La Fortaleza
Juanita Peters
Director
8:37 REBIRTH
Rodrigo Michelangeli
Cinematographer
La Fortaleza
Feature Q&A:
In The Rumbling Belly of Motherland
Meet the makers of the feature film,
In The Rumbling Belly of The Motherland.
MODERATOR
Reza Sameni
Programmer
