Program Overview
In traditional industry settings, feedback for marginalized writers often comes through the lens of those who may not fully grasp the nuances of their stories. This heightens the pressure to self-censor or dilute their own voices to fit a mold that wasn’t designed for them.
The GEMS x Rephrase Table Reads series focuses on stories by racialized women and gender-diverse folks, creating a supportive space where screenwriters guide the feedback they need – whether it’s pacing, dialogue, story structure, or character development. This is about building creatives up, boosting their confidence, and fostering a network that helps independent productions come to life. Join us as we uplift diverse talent and build a community to celebrate inclusive storytelling.
Upcoming Events
Table Read's Participants
Mimi Dejene, screenwriter
Mimi is a versatile filmmaker with over a decade of experience in the film and television industry. Her exploration of different roles, from development to post-production, shaped her distinct skills as a storyteller. Growing up in Canada as a child of Ethiopian immigrants, Mimi brings a unique lens to her work, crafting narratives that explore identity, heritage, and the complexity of being human.
Tanvi Bhatia, story editor
Tanvi is a screenwriter whose work spans multiple genres and industries. Since being awarded a residency with the Pacific Screenwriting Program’s Scripted Series Lab, she has worked in writers’ rooms across the country, including Heartland (CBC) and Allegiance (CBC/NBCU). She has a background in activism and carries her commitment to change-making into the industry, supporting Women in View in their work to promote gender equity.
Alyssa Aussant, story editor
Alyssa is a neurodiverse screenwriter, producer, and content creator with over 250 million views across her short form comedy videos. She’s the Vice-President of GEMS Vancouver and a proud alumna of: The Whistler Film Festival’s Women In Focus Mentorship, Women In Film & TV Toronto’s Scripted Digital Series Incubator, Netflix & Pacific Screenwriting Program’s Scripted Series Lab, Banff & Netflix Diversity Of Voices Initiative, and CMPA’s Screen-Based Media Production Program.
Anaïsa Visser, moderator
Anaïsa is the executive director at Gender Equity in Media Society (GEMS) Vancouver, the founder of Women & Gender Diverse Filmmakers of BC, and teaches in Continuing Studies at Emily Carr University. She has won numerous awards, including the 2017 Vancouver Mayor’s Arts Award for Emerging Artist in Film & New Media, and the 2018 Women in Film and Television Spotlight Award for Newcomers.