A Micro-Conference & Networking Event presented by Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada
Thursday September 21, 2023 – 4:45pm to 7:30pm MT
On September 21, 2023 we empowered IBPOC Content Creators at the 2023 Calgary International Film Festival!
This event was inspired by our ongoing partnership with CIFF, and the value of intentionally gathering IBPOC Content Creators in industry-specific settings.
We created a special space to celebrate, and kicked things off with a hilarious panel on The Power of Humour in Storytelling, featuring Cherish Violet Blood (Scarborough), Cody Lightning (Hey, Viktor!), and moderated by Telly James (Indian Giver). Our amazing speakers shared how they use comedy to shape their stories.
We followed up with a fun, friendly and casual networking event + happy hour for IBPOC Content Creators and Alberta’s industry – cabaret style!
This was a FREE EVENT and included 1 drink ticket and appetizers.
view our event photos!
WATCH APTN’S STORY ON THE POWER OF HUMOUR IN STORYTELLING!
READ & LISTEN TO CJWE’S STORY ON THE POWER OF HUMOUR IN STORYTELLING!
PANELISTS
Cherish Violet Blood | Actor, Storyteller & Activist
Actor, storyteller, and activist, Cherish Violet Blood is a proud Blackfoot woman whom hails from the Kainai Nation, or Blood Tribe Reserve #148 in Treaty 7 territory located in southern Alberta. Currently residing in Toronto, Ontario, Cherish is a professionally trained and well recognized performing artist with active followings in the national Indigenous and international theatre communities. Cherish has performed all over North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland. Select credits include creator/performer in Material Witness (Spiderwoman Theatre La Mama, NYC), creator/performer in Making Treaty 7 directed by Michelle Thrush in Calgary, AB. the lead role in Deer Woman, a new play that has been touring internationally by Tara Beagan, and most recently, awarded the Canadian Screen Award for actress in supporting role for her role in Scarborough. As a natural comedian Cherish has hosted many album release parties for artists such as Iskwe, LAL, and Fiver, as well as for community events and numerous fundraisers.
Cody Lightning | Actor, Writer & Director
Cody Lightning, is an established actor originally from Alberta, Canada and is a member of Samson Cree First Nation in Maskwacis. Lightning grew up in Los Angeles with his mother, celebrated actress Georgina Lightning, who moved there in the 1980s to pursue a career in Hollywood. He displayed artistic talent early on landing his first role at just 5 years of age. From there he went on to become one of Hollywood’s top Native American child actors of the 90s decade. Lightning has worked with some of Hollywood’s top actors like Johnny Depp, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Marlin Brando, Don Cheadle, Bradley Cooper, Zoey Deschanel, Luis Guzman and Chuck Norris. Throughout his teenage years Lightning continued to work in the film and TV industry travelling extensively across the USA and Canada. His experiences have enabled him to develop a unique ability to relate to people from all backgrounds and have shaped him into a remarkably diverse talent. Additionally, Lightning has experience working in improv, theatre, stand-up comedy, executive producing, public speaking and mentoring. Having spent almost a quarter decade of his life in the entertainment industry, now at the age of 36 Lightning possesses a broad range of impressive talent. Lightning’s directorial debut “Hey Viktor!”, which he also co-wrote and acted in, premiered at Tribeca in 2023.
Telly James | Actor & Our Moderator
Telly James is a talented actor known for his captivating performances on stage and screen. With a passion for storytelling, Telly has honed his craft over the years, bringing to life a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity. His natural charisma and dynamic range have earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following of fans. Telly’s dedication to his craft is evident in every role he takes on, and he continues to push the boundaries of his abilities with each new project. With a bright future ahead of him, Telly James is a rising star in the entertainment industry.
PRODUCED WITH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF
