FRESH CONNECTIONS 4

VIDEO PRODUCTION

The FRESH CONNECTIONS 4 Film Program was an innovative online workshop that brought together people from across British Columbia to create impactful short video poems. This program focused on exploring participants' personal connections to significant places within the context of Indigenous land histories, rights, and the journey toward reconciliation.

VOICES of the LAND

VIRTUAL VIDEO PRODUCTION

VOICES of the LAND brings high school students together to learn about the Indigenous cultures, traditional practices, and ecological knowledge of land that they have a deep relationship with. The program invites reflection on participants’ own roles as stewards or guests and encourages a decolonizing approach to understanding land rights, land tenure, dispossession, and ongoing efforts to reclaim sovereignty.

Mississauga Ontario Age is More Documentaries

YOUTH & MENTOR FILM PROGRAM

AGE IS MORE FILM PROGRAM
at King Gardens Retirement Residence, in Mississauga, ON

These films were produced in Reel Youth and Revera's Age Is More Film Program, at King Gardens Retirement Residence. The program brought several generations together to build relationships and celebrate the lives of older Canadians through story-telling and film. Ageism is Canada's most widely tolerated form of social discrimination, and the Age Is More Film Program was designed to shed light on ageism and break down stereotypes, while showcasing the lives of the senior participants.


Lethbridge Youth & Elders Docs

In 2018, Reel Youth visited Blackfoot Territory (Lethbridge, AB) and facilitated an intergenerational Indigenous documentary filmmaking program. The project brought youth and Elders together to strengthen their connections, build storytelling skills, and produce short films that celebrate the lives and culture of the Elders.


Grande Prairie Youth & Seniors Docs

In 2018, Reel Youth visited Grande Prairie, AB to facilitate an inter-generational documentary production program. The project brought young people and young at heart folks together to bridge generations, build friendships and understanding, develop storytelling skills, and produce mini-docs that celebrate the seniors.


Kugluktuk, NU MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

In Reel Youth’s third project in Kugluktuk, we produced a short documentary that explores the impact of the Moving Forward Together project, a five year initiative aimed at reducing suicide and crime, while improving the well being of everyone in the community.

We also helped students at the high school create a music video about believing in yourself and reaching out for support when times are hard.

Regina AGE IS MORE Documentaries

AGE IS MORE FILM PROGRAM
at Green Falls Landing Retirement Residence, in Regina, SK

These films were produced in Reel Youth and Revera's Age Is More Film Program, at Green Falls Landing Retirement Residence, in Regina, SK. The program brought several generations together to build relationships and celebrate the lives of older Canadians through story-telling and film. Ageism is Canada's most widely tolerated form of social discrimination, and the Age Is More Film Program was designed to shed light on ageism and break down stereotypes, while exploring what "home" means later in life.

YouthCo & Yúusnewas FIRST DIRECTIONS

YouthCo & Yúusnewas FIRST DIRECTIONS: Indigenous youth came together to explore what it means to decolonize their bodies and reclaim their health, and to produce films that give voice to their experience and ideas. This 4-day program was made possible by YouthCo, Yúusnewas with support from the First Nations Health Authority.


CORTES ISLAND FILM PROGRAM

These films were made in the 2019 CORTES ISLAND YOUTH VOICES video production program, made possible in part by the financial support of The Cortes Community Health Association and Island Health. Over the course of 4 days, the participants gained skills in issue-based video production, and made these films on the topics of decreasing waste, the free store, and getting outside.

Gjoa Haven, Youth & Elders Documentaries

In the winter of 2019, Reel Youth visited Gjoa Haven, NU and facilitated an intergenerational film program with local youth and Elders. In this project made possible by Skills Canada Nunavut, participants spent time together teaching, learning, and creating short films that celebrate the stories, wisdom, and characters of the Elders.

Ajax, ON AGE IS MORE Documentaries

AGE IS MORE FILM PROGRAM
at Westney Gardens Retirement Residence, in Ajax, ON

These films were produced in Reel Youth and Revera's Age Is More Film Program, at Westney Gardens Retirement Residence, in Ajax, ON. The program brought several generations together to build relationships and celebrate the lives of older Canadians through story-telling and film. Ageism is Canada's most widely tolerated form of social discrimination, and the Age Is More Film Program was designed to shed light on ageism and break down stereotypes, while exploring the inspiring stories of how seniors have lived "lives of purpose" and continue to give back to their community.

Pringe George Claymation Program

CLAYMATION

In April 2019, Reel Youth offered a series of animation programs in Pringe George, BC, and local youth filmmakers created these colourful and imaginative stop-motion films.

TROUBLEMAKERS 4.0

Our intergenerational film project Troublemakers is back for a fourth year! The Vancouver Queer Film Festival, Reel Youth and Love Intersections gathered a fresh team of aspiring young filmmakers and experienced “troublemakers” to work together through an eight-session filmmaking program that captured local queer, trans and two-spirit histories. 



PNE 2019 Claymation Animations

In 2019, Reel Youth and the Pacific National Exhibition ran a series of animation programs with Vancouver teens. Filmmakers created these colourful and imaginative stop-motion films:

Vernon Video Production Program

These films were made in the 2019 Vernon Video Production Program, made possible by financial support from Telus StoryHive. 16 local youth, excited about filmmaking and interested in using film for social change, learned how to plan, produce, and edit in small teams over an intensive five days. They created 5 short, issue-based films, about local drag artist Romi Kim, vandalism of a community rainbow crosswalk, the power of music, ethics of coffee, and, just for fun, a scary movie set in the Vernon woods.

Ymir Video Production Program

These films were made in the 2019 Ymir Video Production Program, made possible by
financial support from Tiny Lights Festival and BC Arts Council. Over the course of 4 days,
the participants joined Reel Youth artist-mentors, who facilitated personal reflection and curiosity, team building, and the creation of these three powerful films.

Penticton Video Production Program

These films were made in the 2019 Penticton Video Production Program, made possible with financial support from Telus StoryHive. Local youth, excited about filmmaking and interested in using film for social change, learned how to plan, produce, and edit in small teams over an intensive five days. They created these 4 short, issue-based films.

Youth & Elders on the Land Documentaries

In 2019, Reel Youth partnered with Telus StoryHive and the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society to visit Nlaka’pamux territory. We supported local Indigenous youth filmmakers as they spent time on the land with their Elders, recording their stories, wisdom, and knowledge. These videos will contribute to the ongoing deepening of connections between generations and with the land, which have been impacted through the history of colonization.

Red Deer AGE IS MORE 

AGE IS MORE FILM PROGRAM
at Aspen Ridge Retirement Residence, in Red Deer, AB

These films were produced in Reel Youth and Revera's Age Is More Film Program, at Aspen Ridge Retirement Residence in Red Deer, Alberta. The program brought several generations together to build relationships and celebrate the lives of older Canadians through story-telling and film. Ageism is Canada's most widely tolerated form of social discrimination, and the Age Is More Film Program was designed to shed light on ageism and break down stereotypes, while capturing the wisdom of this amazing group of seniors.


Gibson's Claymations

In 2019, Reel Youth offered a series of animation programs in Pringe George, BC, and local youth filmmakers created these colourful and imaginative stop-motion films.

Kelowna AGE IS MORE Doc Project

AGE IS MORE FILM PROGRAM
at The Dorchester, in Kelowna, BC

These films were produced in Reel Youth and Revera's Age Is More Film Program, supported by Telus StoryHive, at The Dorchester, in Kelowna, BC. The program brought several generations together to build relationships and celebrate the lives and love of older Canadians through story-telling and film. Ageism is Canada's most widely tolerated form of social discrimination, and the Age Is More Film Program was designed to shed light on ageism, break down stereotypes, and celebrate the talents of seniors.

Glitter Technics

In 2019, SUM Gallery and Queer Arts Festival brought Reel Youth in for a video production workshop as part of Glitter Technics, an experiential, creative workshop series designed to shine the light on emerging Vancouver-based artists and their stories. Participants were able to discover and enhance new and existing artistic practices, tools and techniques. Using poetry as prompt, participants created these short videos.

Douglas College New Comers to Canada

In late 2019, we ran a video production program with immigrant and refugee youth in Douglas College’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program. They created these powerful films about their experiences as newcomers to Canada.


AGE is MORE Cambridge, ON

These films were produced in Reel Youth and Revera's Age Is More Film Program, at Granite Landing Retirement Residence in Cambridge, ON. The program brought together young and older women to celebrate the wisdom of older Canadian women through story-telling and film, and to foster new inter-generational relationships. They created a series of short documentaries, released in celebration of International Women's Day on March 8.

Ageism is Canada's most widely tolerated form of social discrimination, and the Age Is More Film Program was designed to shed light on ageism, challenge the assumptions that younger women have of aging, and recognize the valuable wisdom of older women

Cortes Intergenerational Program

These films were made in the 2020 Cortes Island video production program, made possible in part by the financial support of the Mark Torrance Foundation and the Cortes Community Health Association. This inter-generational program brought youth and adults together to create films on issues they care about. Over the course of 4 days, the participants gained skills in issue-based video production, and made these films on the topics of climate change, social media, and affordable housing.

Mississauga, ON Film Program

In late 2019, Reel Youth offered a free video production program in Mississauga. 12 youth worked together in small teams over an intensive 6 days, to make these short, issue-based films about issues they care about: cuts to education funding, bullying, and social inclusion.


Fort Liard Animations & Videos

In 2019, Reel Youth visited Fort Liard and facilitated film production and animation programs with local youth and adults. Participants learned leadership and collaboration skills while telling personal stories and giving voice to important issues in their community. These are the films they created.

TOGETHER APART

Together Apart was our first virtual film program, catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting social distancing and isolation. Participants from ages 9 to 74 and from across Canada gathered with Reel Youth facilitators over Zoom to create community through the media arts. They were introduced to principles of filmmaking as a tool for social change, and practiced video production skills by shooting an original short film that captured their lives in isolation. These are their creations.



Ermineskin Sundancer Solar Elder Doc Films

In 2019, Reel Youth partnered with SkyFire Energy, Ermineskin Cree Nation, and Neyaskweyahk Group of Companies for an inter-generational film program in Ermineskin territory. We supported local Indigenous youth filmmakers as they spent time with Elders, recording their stories, wisdom, and knowledge. These videos contribute to the ongoing deepening of connections between generations, which have been impacted through the history of colonization. They also honour a future of energy self-sufficiency and celebration of Indigenous-owned Sundancer Solar Farm.

Pringe George Claymations

In September 2019, Reel Youth offered a series of animation programs in Pringe George, BC, and local youth filmmakers created these colourful and imaginative stop-motion films about issues they care about:



Remember This

Remember This was a virtual film program, catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting social distancing and isolation. Participants from ages 8 to 64 and from across British Columbia gathered with Reel Youth facilitators over Zoom to create community through the media arts. We created a compilation video that weaves together their stories:

Nehenáhodhe Our Way of Life

To promote Dene Zhatie in the Dehcho region, Dehcho First Nations, in collaboration with partners and local communities, undertook this video and booklet project to share Dehcho Dene language, culture and knowledge of the land.

Edı tł‘a nahecho gı̨lé gonats’ęndı́h t’áh mek’eh eghálats’ı̨ndá á ǫt’e. Gogǫndıé gháádé goghánahonetę, t’ahsı́ı goghágonétǫ kegogedı̨hshǫ nahets’ę́ kagedı, gots’ęh dáǫndı́h t’áh dezǫą genehsheh.

I AM PRINCE GEORGE

The I AM PRINCE GEORGE film program was a virtual program, catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting social distancing and isolation. Participants aged 9 to 15 gathered with Reel Youth facilitators over Zoom, where they were introduced to principles of filmmaking as a tool for social change, and practiced video production skills by shooting these original short films that captured their lives in isolation.

Cambridge Bay Documentaries

In 2019, Reel Youth visited Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), Nunavut and facilitated a film production program with local youth and Elders. We also filmed a documentary about grandmothers, mothers, daughters in the community uniting to revive the tradition of making kammak in Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq):

being a NEW COMER TO CANADA during a pandemic

In late spring 2020, we ran a video production program with immigrant and refugee youth in Douglas College’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program. In this virtual program, new Canadians gathered with Reel Youth facilitators over Zoom, where they were introduced to principles of filmmaking, and practiced video production skills by shooting these powerful films about their experiences as newcomers during a pandemic.


Youth Community Stories

Most film funding is for established artists, while young people can only dream about having a film budget. Enter at scene right: Youth Community Stories, a pilot program in partnership with Telus Storyhive! Not only did we provide $10,000 in production funding for each group of youth, but they also received production training and mentorship from start to finish. These 10 new films explore the challenges and benefits of cyber citizenship:


Age is More Virtual Film Program

The Age is More Virtual Film Program was the first ever youth and seniors virtual film program. Young filmmakers from across Canada worked with seniors in Revera Retirement Residences to create a poem based on the impactful moments in their lives, and the seniors used iPads to record footage to accompany it.

These videos are a tribute to the ageless spirit of older Canadians, to life-long learning, and to building relationships between different generations.


Black Brilliance

In the summer of 2020, Reel Youth launched its new online film program, Black Brilliance. Facilitated by professional Black artists, this program was a Black space for youth of African descent to empower themselves and tell their stories. From envisioning decolonial Afro-centeric futures to grappling with ongoing movements towards Black liberation, the program and films are a commitment to Reel Youth’s ongoing work to combat racism everywhere and amplify Black voices.

Fort Simpson, NT Lı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́

In early 2020, Reel Youth visited Fort Simpson, NT to facilitate 'In Their Own Words', a film program focused on language preservation, inter-generational learning, and climate change for young people in the community. The resulting documentaries feature Elders of the Lı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Fırst Natıon speaking to their youth, sharing stories from their life and wisdom in Dene and English.

HOME

In fall 2020, we ran a slam poetry / video production program with immigrant and refugee youth in Douglas College’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program. In this virtual program, new Canadians gathered with Reel Youth facilitators over Zoom, where they were introduced to principles of filmmaking, and created these powerful films about their experiences as newcomers during a pandemic.

success

The Digital Storytelling Program was a virtual film program for youth in Vancouver, BC, offered in partnership with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and made possible by Telus Storyhive. Participants fostered their creativity, self-expression, and leadership skills by learning filmmaking techniques to tell stories about their lives and experiences. These are their creations:

This second Digital Storytelling Program was a virtual film program for youth in Vancouver, BC, offered in partnership with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and made possible by Telus Storyhive. Participants fostered their creativity, self-expression, and leadership skills by learning filmmaking techniques to tell stories about their lives and experiences.

For the first time ever, we also offered an advanced placement program for students from our first S.U.C.C.E.S.S. film program. These filmmakers deepened their understanding of filmmaking as a form of creative expression, and expanded their technical skill set.

Enjoy the films!

FROM THE NORTH

This online film program, made possible by Pitquhirnikkut Ilihautiniq / Kitikmeot Heritage Society, brought together people from Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), Kugluktuk, Gjoa Haven and Ulukhaktok. They learned principles of film making, and practiced media production skills by shooting and editing original short videos telling their stories and addressing climate change in the north.

Age is More

The Age is More Virtual Film Program “Life’s Journeys” was an intergenerational film program, where young filmmakers worked with older adults in BC and Manitoba Revera Retirement Residences. Together they created poems based on the impactful moments in the older participants' lives, and adapted them into short films using iPads and Zoom to record and edit the footage.

These films are a tribute to the ageless spirit of older Canadians, to life-long learning, and to building relationships between different generations.

ENVISION

MUSIC VIDEO

In this online video production program, students from the Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM) worked with Reel Youth facilitators to plan, shoot, and edit music videos, using their own songs.

FIRST DIRECTIONS FILM PROGRAM

In the FIRST DIRECTIONS FILM PROGRAM, Indigenous youth came together on Zoom to explore what it means to decolonize their bodies and reclaim their health, and to produce films that give voice to their experience and ideas. This 6-day program was made possible by YouthCO and Yúusnewas and made possible by funding from Telus STORYHIVE.

ḥaḥuupač̓akukqin youth & Elders films

This online film program brought together Hesquiaht youth to learn filmmaking skills and produce short films focused around traditional language sharing.

ḥaḥuupač̓akukqin is Hesquiaht for “our teachings informed by knowledge holders." The youth received ḥaḥuupa “informed teachings” from Elders, and became ḥaḥuupčuu “well-taught.

MY WORLD

The MY WORLD Film Program was a workshop that brought Terrace youth together to produce short video poems - entirely online! Reel Youth mentors held Zoom sessions where the participants learned how to write slam poetry, and plan, shoot, and edit a short film, some of them for the first time.

Our Belief & Values Senpaq’cin School Exhibition Video

In 2021, grade 7 students at Senpaq’cin School created independent projects featuring social issues that are important to them. Each student saw their project through from conception to presentation, including action items for the betterment of the community, and recorded footage along the way. We helped put it together into this short documentary, which features their moving work on bullying, murdered and missing Indigenous women, self-acceptance, electricity, gun safety, and homelessness.

Black Brilliance 2.0

Black Brilliance 2.0 was a virtual film program, and an all-Black space for youth of African descent to empower themselves and tell their stories. Participants explored their personal experiences of being Black (and brilliant!) through poetry and film, and the results are a commitment to Reel Youth’s ongoing work to combat racism everywhere and amplify Black voices.

Clay-Matters

In our first ever virtual claymation participants learned to plan, shoot, and edit stop-motion claymation films that explore issues they care about. These are what they created!

TROUBLEMAKERS 5.0

The TROUBLEMAKERS 5.0 film program gathered a fresh team of aspiring young filmmakers and experienced troublemakers to work together through an eight-session filmmaking program that captured local queer and trans histories. We are in awe of the films they created, and excited to share them here!

FRESH CONNECTIONS

The FRESH CONNECTIONS Film Program was an online workshop made possible by the Real Estate Foundation of BC, that brought together people from across BC, to produce short video poems that explore young people's relationship to local land and water issues.

Kaapittiaq Film Program

In the Kaapittiaq Film Program, local people in Nunavut communities were employed to learn marketing skills, shoot footage, and collaborate in the creation of these nine short advertisements. The films celebrate Nunavut communities and advertise Kaapittiaq, an Inuit-branded line of coffee. The film program was a partnership between Reel Youth and Pitquhikhainik Ilihainiq Inc.

Age is More Virtual Film Program “Celebrating Joy”

The Age is More Virtual Film Program “Celebrating Joy” was an intergenerational film program, where young filmmakers worked with older adults in Ontario Revera Retirement Residences. Together they created poems based on the joyful moments in the older participants' lives, and adapted them into short films using iPads and Zoom to record and edit the footage.

CYC Youth & Grand Parents Film Release

The Youth and Grandparents Film Program was a filmmaking workshop in partnership with the Connaught Youth Centre, that brought youth together with their grandparents. Together, they made these two short films that connect the generations and celebrate family histories.

Nunavut Music Video Program

In this partnership with Kitikmeot Heritage Society / Pitquhikhainik Ilihainiq, youth in Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, Ulukhaktok, and Gjoa Haven worked with Reel Youth facilitators to plan, shoot, and edit these beautiful, original music videos, set to music by The Beatrice Deer Band. We also created a compilation video that highlights footage from all of the program participants. Enjoy!

SUCCESS Video Poems

This Digital Storytelling project was a Vancouver-based virtual film program for youth, offered in partnership with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and made possible by Telus Storyhive. The filmmakers fostered their creativity, self-expression, and leadership skills by learning video production techniques to tell stories about their lives and experiences using film. Enjoy and share!

Douglas College Filmmaking Program 

In early 2022, we ran a slam poetry / video production program with immigrant and refugee youth in Douglas College's Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program. In this virtual program, new Canadians and program staff gathered with Reel Youth facilitators over Zoom, where they were introduced to principles of filmmaking, and created these powerful films about their experiences as newcomers and in the LINC Engage program.

Yukon Music Video Program

In early 2022, we partnered with Western Arctic Youth Collective to work with young filmmakers in the Yukon Territory. Using music from Diyet, they planned, shot, and edited these original music videos. Check out these beautiful new works of Northern media art:

P.I.E. Film Program

The PIE Film Program was an online workshop that brought together students from the Partners in Education program across BC, to produce short video poems that explore local issues and personal stories. These video portraits of BC students are told in their authentic, fun-loving, and fierce voices. Enjoy.

SUCCESS

Our fourth Digital Storytelling Film Program was a virtual program for young Vancouverites, offered in partnership with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and made possible by Telus Storyhive. Participants fostered their creativity, self-expression, and leadership skills by learning filmmaking techniques to tell stories about their lives. These new works of media art are expressions of longing, belonging, and beauty. Enjoy.

Black Brilliance 3

Our third Black Brilliance film program (and first in person!) was a place for youth of African descent to collaborate to tell their stories. Facilitated by the amazing Mariam Barry, Moumy Mbacké, and Michael Swana, participants explored their personal experiences of Blackness through film. Their films span drama and documentary, and are part of Reel Youth’s ongoing work to combat racism and amplify Black voices.

First Directions

In the First Directions Film Program, Indigenous youth from across BC came together to develop short videos on the theme of Art & Activism. This 3-day program was made possible by YouthCO and Yúusnewas, and with support from Telus STORYHIVE. These are the three powerful films that came out of the program:

Cortes Island Community School Senior Class

These films were made in the 2022 Cortes Island School video production program. Over the course of 5 days, students at the school worked with Reel Youth facilitators to explore issues that they care about, and then made these 3 charming short films to share their views.

Inter-Generational Mini Biographies

Reel Youth's Intergenerational Film Program brought youth together with their grandparents to produce short films showcasing the stories and wisdom of older generations. Additional advanced lessons were also offered, and we are so please to present the final films!

Reel Youth Slow TV

These beautiful films were created in Reel Youth’s first ever Slow TV Film Program, a filmmaking workshop that brought young people together for an exploration of this emerging genre. Funded by Telus, this program was inspired by the meditative Norwegian slow TV phenomenon that invites viewers to slow down and experience nature and the world in real-time.     

TROUBLEMAKERS 6.0

The TROUBLEMAKERS 6.0 film program gathered a fresh team of aspiring young filmmakers and experienced troublemakers to work together through an eight-session filmmaking program that captured local queer and trans histories. We are in awe of the films they created, and excited to share them here!

Old Crow Film Program

In 2022, Reel Youth visited Old Crow, Yukon with the Western Arctic Youth Collective and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to facilitate a film and photography program that focused on inter-generational learning. The following documentaries feature Gwitch'in Elders and community leaders, whose stories are shared in Gwitch'in and English. 

2022 SUCCESS I AM FROM Poems

CIA FILMS

These films were created in a filmmaking high school program with School District 72 at the Cortes Island Academy. Reel Youth created a curriculum to meet the grade 9-11 BC Media Studies guidelines, and facilitated it over five weeks, on Cortes, in an innovative, untraditional and out-of-the-box high school program. The students made personal video poems, group animations, and a group documentary showcasing the wisdom and stories of older Cortesians.

FRESH CONNECTIONS 2 

The FRESH CONNECTIONS 2 Film Program was an online workshop that brought together people from across BC, to produce short video poems that explore their relationship to places of personal importance, within the context of Indigenous land histories, rights, and reconciliation.

Youth Leadership Millennium

This Digital Storytelling project was a Vancouver-based virtual film program for youth, offered in partnership with the Youth Leadership Millennium program at S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and made possible by Telus Storyhive. The filmmakers fostered their creativity, self-expression, and leadership skills by learning video production techniques to tell stories about their lives and experiences using film. Enjoy and share!

During the 2023 First Directions Film Program, Yúusnewas hosted workshops to share information about Indigenous Resilience with youth from across BC. Reel Youth supported participants to work together to make short films about their visions for positive change.

This 3-day program is made possible by YouthCO and Yúusnewas, and with support from Telus STORYHIVE. These are the two powerful films that have come out of the program:

Information is Medicine

These films were made by Indigenous young people in the north in response to their visions for positive change to the healthcare system and addressing youth mental health.

These films were made as part of the project "Information is Medicine: Culturally Safe Vaccine Hesitancy Reduction Initiatives Driven by NWT Indigenous Peoples" a Hotiì ts'eeda project funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Sanikiluaq NU

In February of 2023, the Reel Youth team travelled to the Hamlet of Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, in the Belcher Islands, in Hudson’s Bay, to facilitate a two-week documentary filmmaking program at the Nuiyak School. Grade sixes learned filmmaking, interviewing, and post-production fundamentals and made films about local knowledge holders and Elders.

2023 Douglas College Claymations

n late 2023, we ran a claymation program with immigrant and refugee youth in Douglas College's Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program. In this in person program, new Canadians and program staff gathered with Reel Youth facilitator , where they were introduced to principles of claymation, and created these short claymations about issues they were passionate about as well as experiences as newcomers and in the LINC Engage program.

FOCUSED TV - FILMS THAT ARE GROUNDED IN PLACE

These introspective films were created in Focused TV, a brand new Reel Youth program. In this program, participants chose a space close to them and dug in deep to make films specific to historical and cultural geography of their surroundings.

Through this program, that centred around decolonizing place and the structures of cinema, participants planned, shot, and edited their own meaningful short films.     

TROUBLEMAKERS 7.0

The TROUBLEMAKERS 7.0 film program gathered a fresh team of aspiring young filmmakers and experienced troublemakers to work together through an eight-session filmmaking program that captured local queer and trans histories. We are in awe of the films they created, and excited to share them here!

 Q̓a̓úƛ̓ini Qṇts Wáxv'w̓uísáx̌ - Learning on the Land and Water

In 2022-23, two professional Reel Youth filmmakers travelled to the Haíɫzaqv community of Bella Bella on the remote central coast of British Columbia to capture the Supporting Emerging Aboriginal Stewards (SEAS) program at the Bella Bella Community School. There are unique SEAS programs in several communities in this region.

The SEAS program is a K-12 land-based learning program that connects students with the lands, waters, knowledge holders, mentors, and seasonal harvest cycles of their traditional territories. These films were created to communicate the value of the SEAS program to potential stakeholders and funders, and to share with the Haíɫzaqv community to raise awareness around what and how the students are learning.

Gwich’in Caribou Summit

These powerful films were made by Gwich’in young people during an inaugural Caribou Summit in Ft McPherson in January, 2023.

The youth spent two days training with Reel Youth facilitators to learn the technical side of documentary film making and then were matched up with an elder at the summit to create a short film about their lived experiences and relationship to the Porcupine Caribou herd, one of the last intact herds in the world.

GLOBAL WATER FUTURES

In the summer of 2023, Reel Youth worked with Youth from the Sahtu region on the Decho (Mackenzie River), north of Fort Good Hope, NT to make a film about the importance of addressing local water issues as a community. The camp brought Youth, Elders, scientists, knowledge holders and community leaders together to learn from each other and was made possible by Global Water Futures, the Fort Good Hope Renewable Resources Council, the FGH Dene Band Youth On the Land Program, the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board and GNWT. The camp was organized by the K’ahsho Got’ine Foundation and Guardians, in partnership with the Western Arctic Youth Collective and Reel Youth.

The project’s participants, ranging from ages 15 to 92, and hailed from all five Sahtu Dene and Metis communities; Deline, Tulita, Norman Wells, Fort Good Hope and Colville Lake. The initiative took place at Nihts’iba Site, K’asho Got’ine Territory, situated on the Decho north of Fort Good Hope at the Arctic Circle.


BUFFALO RIVER

These powerful films were created by Grade 9 students at Buffalo River Dene School.

Through technical training, leadership building, and lots of laughs, the youth worked in small teams to create short documentary films about their elders.

Thank you Meadow Lake Tribal Council and Buffalo River Dene Nation School for having us work in your community.      

FRESH CONNECTIONS 3.0

The FRESH CONNECTIONS 3 Film Program was an online workshop that brought together people from across BC, to produce short video poems that explore their relationship to places of personal importance, within the context of Indigenous land histories, rights, and reconciliation.   

LOVE LETTERS TO CANADA

In late 2023, we ran a video poetry program with immigrant and refugee youth in Douglas College's Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program.

In this in-person program, new Canadians and program staff gathered with Reel Youth facilitators, where they were introduced to principles of filmmaking, and created these short video poems about issues they were passionate about as well as experiences as newcomers and in the LINC Engage program.

Cortes Island Academy

In January 2024, Reel Youth facilitated a documentary film program with students in grades 9-12 at the Cortes Island Academy. The new filmmakers learned to produce mini-documentaries profiling beloved local community adults.

They learned skills in interviewing, cinematography, editing and production to capture the histories and wisdom of renown gardener Nori Fletcher, environmental advocate Christine Robinson, artist Elizabeth Anderson, and former Klahoose Chiefs, Duane Hansen and Jessie Louie. The program aimed to capture important stories for future generations and strengthen connections between youth and seniors on the island.

By facilitating intergenerational knowledge-sharing through film, students gained practical skills while honouring the contributions of those who came before them in building the unique community of Cortes Island.

To learn more about the Cortes Island Academy click here.

TERRACE BC YOUTH & ELDERS FILMS

These films were a part of Volunteer Terrace's new Restorative Justice Program a Youth and Elders film program!

In this program, youth participants fostered their creativity, self-expression, and leadership skills by learning filmmaking skills and forming intergenerational relationships to make short documentaries about the lives and experiences of local elders.

FORT LIARD NT ELDERS & SCARY MOVIE PROGRAM

Over the course of two weeks, local youth immersed themselves in the art of horror filmmaking, crafting spine-tingling stories that are sure to captivate audiences. Participants collaborated closely, honing their skills in writing, directing, and editing to bring their frightening visions to life.

Focused TV

These music videos were created in Focused TV, a brand new Reel Youth program. In this program, youth participants fostered their creativity, self-expression, and leadership skills by learning filmmaking skills -- planning, shooting, and editing meaningful music videos.

The FocusedTV music video program, was made in partnership with Telus STORYHIVE.

Dunster School House

In the summer of 2024, Reel Youth travelled to the Dunster School House in the Robson Valley of BC to teach the art of making shorts at filmmaking summer camp. The results were this nostalgic retrospective, a dark comedy, and a film about mountain biking in the valley. 

AKLAVIK, NT

In spring 2024, Reel Youth and Western Arctic Youth Collective helped Aklavik students at Moose Kerr School create documentaries honoring local Elders, capturing stories of land, family, residential schools, and visions for community strength, resilience, and positive change.