With a true north strong nod to the boundless power of storytelling, Canada’s Walk of Fame announces the continued evolution and expansion of the transformative Canada’s Walk of Fame Future Storytellers program, presented by founding partner NBCUniversal and Seeing Red Media. This initiative is designed to propel the voices of Canada’s next generation of filmmakers from underrepresented communities, offering an unrivalled stage to enrich their learning experience and mentorship from some of Canada’s most esteemed cultural icons. The vignettes are showcased in Cineplex pre-show entertainment, at Canada’s Walk of Fame’s annual gala event and on canadaswalkoffame.com.
Production on the 2024 Canada’s Walk of Fame Future Storytellers vignettes begins on July 10 through July 16 in Toronto and features five new emerging Canadian filmmakers from Humber and Sheridan Colleges telling the stories of Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductees and Honourees. Pairings include world champion figure skater Kurt Browning (2001 Inductee) with Nick Tablac (Humber College graduate); iconic pop rock singer-songwriter Andy Kim (2018 Inductee) and Arshia Prajapati (Sheridan College graduate); International Indigenous Rights and Water Activist and 2023 Canada’s Walk of Fame Community Hero Autumn Peltier with Anne Hoang (Humber College graduate); co-creator of the iconic Canadian youth culture phenomenon, Degrassi (2023 Inductee), Linda Schuyler with Yagnam (Humber College); and lead vocalist/guitarist of Toronto-based music collective,The Parachute Club (2023 Inductee), Lorraine Segato and Poppi Fella Pellegrino (Sheridan College graduate).
This year’s Future Storytellers represent a beautifully diverse tapestry of voices from underrepresented communities.
Since its inception in 2022 with the support of founding partner NBCUniversal, the Canada’s Walk of Fame Future Storytellers program has championed the unique visions and potential of eight student filmmakers, each selected for their capability to infuse new life into the Canadian cinematic narrative. These filmmakers are paired with Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductees and Honourees, transforming their impactful lives into compelling 2.5-minute vignettes. Past profiles include Director X (2022 Inductee), Wendy Crewson (2015 Inductee), Jully Black (2021 Inductee), Graham Greene (2021 Inductee), Donovan Bailey (2017 Inductee), Jeanne Beker (2016 Inductee), Veronica Tennant (2001 Inductee), and Kardinal Offishall (2023 Allan Slaight Music Impact Honouree).
“NBCUniversal is the founding force in launching this intentional and inclusive program with Canada’s Walk of Fame, reflecting the expansive mosaic of Canadian culture,” said Jeffrey Latimer, CEO, Canada’s Walk of Fame. “This year, we are excited and grateful to have Seeing Red Media join us to not only foster a new generation of filmmakers; but to also curate a new chapter of cinematic dialogue that speaks to and celebrates our rich diversity.”
“Seeing Red is honored to lend its voice to the incredible work that NBCUniversal and Canada’s Walk of Fame have accomplished through the Future Storytellers program. It is our youth who will write the future, and by ensuring that our youth have access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, together will guarantee a bright future for filmmaking in Canada. A future that reflects the vibrant and unique tapestry of this land we call home,” said Bryan Porter, Founder & Shakohen:te’s, Seeing Red Media Inc.
This initiative thrives through strategic partnerships with NBCUniversal, Seeing Red Media, Cineplex, and educational pillars such as Humber and Sheridan Colleges. These collaborations enhance Canada’s Walk of Fame’s mission, providing emerging filmmakers with mentorship from cinematic and cultural pioneers, and showcasing their final works in high-profile venues, including the coveted annual Canada’s Walk of Fame celebration and on screens across the country through Cineplex theatres.
In the digital sphere, the Canada’s Walk of Fame Future Storytellers program has made significant strides, capturing nearly a quarter million impressions across digital platforms, and this number is growing.
“I am deeply grateful to be part of Canada’s Walk of Fame’s Future Storytellers Program. This unique experience provided hands-on knowledge of production logistics and collaboration with industry professionals. As the Director, I was able to present my ideas and received unwavering support. Engaging with the Cinematographer and interviewing the 2022 Inductee Director X were invaluable experiences, offering insights beyond what I could learn in school.” – Brandon Lewis, Humber College graduate.
“This project was an amazing opportunity to highlight underrepresented talent, who don’t necessarily get their voices heard in the industry. Canada is so diverse, but unfortunately, we still have a lot of work to do before the industry represents all voices both behind and in front of the camera. I’m very thankful that I was chosen for this project and got to work with talented individuals throughout the entirety of the production, including 2021 Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee Graham Greene. This was an experience I will never forget.” – Violet Elliot, Sheridan College graduate.
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