GEMS Reel Talks

Missed our latest GEMS Reel Talks with Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin? Watch the recording here!

Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin (Attawapiskat) is an award-winning filmmaker, mother, writer, performance artist and academic. With her background in community work, powerful social justice themes emerge in her films, alongside bravery, healing, connection and humour.

Jules honours her Cree-speaking grandparents who raised her, and her mother, a residential school Survivor/warrior. Relying on a creative eye, keen mind and strong heart, Jules’ accomplishments include raising four sons while pursuing academics and artistry. Graduating from Concordia University’s Theatre program, Jules went on to Ryerson University’s Documentary Media master’s program, receiving early recognition with an Award of Distinction and an Academic Gold Medal for her thesis documentary film, "Remembering Inninimowin".

Jules' documentary “NiiMisSak: Sisters In Film”, which delves into the journeys of IsKweWak (women) storytellers navigating the film and television industry premieres at Whistler Film Festival on December 6th.

About

For emerging and seasoned filmmakers, producers, directors, screenwriters, actors and everyone who wants to know more about the industry, GEMS Reel Talks feature moderated conversations with special guests and are often a great way to hear and meet a variety of different people in the film community in Vancouver.

 

Please note we are currently not open for registrations.

Past Reel Talks

Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin, “NiiMisSak: Sisters In Film (November 28, 2024)

Shasta Span, “YellowJackets”, “American Horror Story”, and “Kidding” cinematographer (October 22, 2024)

Laura Adkin & Krista Rand, Re:Uniting (August 13, 2024)

Director, Writer, Artist Radha Mehta (June 11, 2024)

Filmmakers Josephine Anderson and Shannon Walsh (May 21, 2024)

Alison O’Daniel and GEMFest Programmers (February 20, 2024)

Filmmaker Meredith Hama-Brown on her debut feature, “Seagrass” (October 17, 2023)

Filmmaker V.T. Nayani on her debut feature “This Place” (August 9, 2023)

Filmmaker Kim Albright on her debut feature With Love And A Major Organ (July 18, 2023)

Ukrainian Filmmaker Khrystyna Syvolap on rebuilding her life and career in Vancouver (June 20, 2023)

Meet Documentary Filmmaker Ali Grant (May 15, 2023)

Meet the VIWFF Programmers and Festival Sneak Peek (February 21, 2023)

How I Became Director Without Film School (January 17, 2023)

Vancouver Asian Film Festival Highlights (November 8, 2022)

Storytelling Runs Deep with Asia Youngman (October 18, 2022)

Directing Crazy8s and Beyond! (September 20, 2022)

In Conversation: Indigenous Screen Office and Black Screen Office (August 26, 2022)

Working Across Disciplines with Nya Lewis from VQFF/Out On Screen (August 16, 2022)

Getting Into the Industry with Katannya “Kat” Yee from Creative BC (July 19, 2022)

The Power of Mentorship & Networking with Eva Thomas and Sarah Kelley (June 21, 2022)

Creating Documentaries with Social Impact with Jen Sungshine (May 17, 2022)

 

Watch all of our Reel Talks here!

Costs

Our Reel Talks are free and open to the public!