FILMMAKERS BRUNCH: Exploring Edmonton's Indie Filmmaking Scene

FILMMAKERS BRUNCH: Exploring Edmonton’s Indie Filmmaking Scene

presented by the EDMONTON SCREEN INDUSTRIES OFFICE

Take one look at the films screening at this year’s edition of NorthwestFest, and it 'appears' that Edmonton is becoming a hotbed of indie/doc filmmaking. We’re also seeing more filmmakers electing to stay put in E-Town, delivering a more 'personal' style of storytelling than we see from other markets.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion about the pros and cons of making films in what continues to be considered a ‘non-traditional’ filmmaking market.

COMPLIMENTARY Food & Beverage will be served! Admission is FREE, but you must RSVP for entry as SPACE IS LIMITED!

11:30am Doors

11:45pm Coffee, vegetables, and an assortment of artisan-style pizzas will be served

12:15pm Panel Discussion 

1:30pm Mingle

2:00pm Event Ends

Location: Matrix Hotel “PRISM” Room - 2nd Floor beside the lounge

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

KATRINA BEATTY

Katrina Beatty has built a successful career through her company, Loud Whisper Productions, along with being a board member of Women in Film & TV Alberta (WIFTA). She is the winner of the 2022 Edmonton Film Prize and the film she produced, Before I Change My Mind, was awarded three Rosie Awards at the 2022 Alberta Film and TV Awards. Her latest production, The Wounds Within, premieres at NorthwestFest on Wednesday, May 15 at 9:00pm.

Katrina’s passion for storytelling, exploring human connections, and telling underdog stories is what drives her company’s vision for filmmaking. Through her projects, she sees tremendous value in crafting meaningful films that resonate with audiences. 

BLAKE McWILLIAM

Blake McWilliam is an award winning Canadian director and producer. With an official selection at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, a Canadian Screen Award Nomination in 2016, and multiple AMPIA, CCMA, and JUNO nominations and awards along the way, Blake is quickly establishing himself at the forefront of the Canadian film industry.

He produced the feature films Hands that Bind, Edmonton Film Prize winner Hey Viktor!, the raucous indigenous comedy that premiered at Tribeca, and Lebanese Burger Mafia, which enjoyed a triumphant hometown premiere at NorthWestFest 2023. Send Kelp - screening Monday, May 13 at 9pm - is Blake’s feature-documentary directorial debut.

SARAH TAYLOR

As an award-winning editor with over twenty years of experience, Sarah has a passion for storytelling and has cut a wide range of documentaries, television programs, and full length feature films, including Lebanese Burger Mafia, Family Ever After, Hey Viktor!, Fast Horse, and many more.

She is a member of the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) and is the host of the Canadian Cinema Editors (CCE) podcast The Editor’s Cut. Sarah is also the co-host of the podcast Braaains. Sarah edited the new film, The Wounds Within, which premieres May 15th at NorthwestFest.