Friday December 1, 2023 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm MT
What are Canadian Stories?
As we diversify our storytelling landscape across multiple disciplines in arts + culture, how does our definition of Canadian Stories evolve?
What does it mean to be Canadian, and tell our unique stories as members of various diasporas? And as guests on Turtle Island?
Tune into this intriguing conversation with Vicki Van Chau, Sue Goberdhan, Aretha Greatrix and Nina Sudra!
SAVE THE DATE and join us!
PANELISTS
Vicki Van Chau | Filmmaker & Executive Director at AMAAS
Vicki Van Chau 周倩瑜 (she/her) is a Chinese-Vietnamese Canadian filmmaker, media artist and cultural worker based in Mohkinstsis/Calgary on Treaty 7 territory. She was the Programming Director for EMMEDIA Gallery & Production Society where she co-founded the PARTICLE + WAVE Media Arts Festival and is currently the Executive Director for the Alberta Media Arts Alliance Society (AMAAS). She has consulted for other non-profit art organizations including the CanAsian Arts Network, and recently curated an exhibition at Fort Calgary titled “Culture & Kin: Reclaiming the Chinese Narrative through Contemporary Art” that will be on display until May 2024.
She is an active arts community member and volunteer and has sat on the Board of Directors for the Untitled Art Society (now known as The Bows), EXPOSURE Photography Festival, AMAAS, Calgary Underground Film Festival and co-founded the Calgary Chinatown Pop-Up Movie Club. In 2022, she received the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award and was inducted into Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40. In 2023, she received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for her contribution to the arts & culture in Alberta.
Sue Goberdhan | Theatre Creator & Artistic Producer at Azimuth Theatre
Sue Goberdhan is a Scarborough-born, Edmonton-raised theatre creator and administrator. She is an Artistic Producer at Azimuth Theatre, Interim General Manager at Rapid Fire Theatre, and Administrative Director for Theatre Alberta’s Artstrek. Over the last theatre season, she has also received Catalyst Theatre’s Confluence Fellowship, where she debuted CHUMP: a play celebrating her spicy, colourful Indo-Caribbean heritage. Writing credits include CHUMP, Marnie Day (Could Be Cool Theatre); Almost Heroes (Igneous Theatre Productions). Select performance credits include CHUMP (Could Be Cool Theatre); E DAY (Serial Collective); Nightcap Cabaret, Scenes from the Sidewalk (Plain Jane Theatre).
Aretha Greatrix | Program Director at Dreamspeakers Festival Society
Aretha Greatrix is a James Bay Cree hailing from the Kashechewan First Nation, specifically the Albany Band, but her journey has taken her beyond her roots to the vibrant city of Edmonton, Alberta, where she was born and raised. In 2005, she embarked on her academic journey by obtaining a Certificate in Digital and Interactive Media, laying the foundation for her exploration into the dynamic intersection of technology and communication.
In 2012, Aretha reached a milestone in her education, graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Communications in Professional Writing Degree from Grant MacEwan University. Undeterred by the challenges of academia, she continued her pursuit of knowledge, and in November 2023, she is set to graduate with a Master of Arts in Communication and Technology from the prestigious University of Alberta.
Aretha’s academic pursuits align with her deep interest in the reconciliation process, and her master’s research focuses on examining the effectiveness of this vital societal endeavor. This reflects her dedication to understanding and contributing to the ongoing dialogue surrounding reconciliation.
Beyond the academic realm, Aretha is a dynamic entrepreneur, serving as the owner of Ready Up Productions Inc. Her foray into content creation and streaming, which began in 2020, showcases her adaptability and keen understanding of the digital landscape. Through Ready Up Productions Inc., she brings creative visions to life, demonstrating her commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and technology.
Aretha Greatrix’s impact extends beyond her professional ventures. In 2016, she was rightfully recognized as a Cultural Ambassador, receiving the Women of Inspiration Award from the Canadian Business Chicks. This honor acknowledged her outstanding work in mentoring youth in filmmaking, highlighting her commitment to fostering the next generation of creative minds.
In summary, Aretha Greatrix is a multifaceted individual whose journey encompasses education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Her story is not only one of personal achievement but also a testament to her dedication to exploring, understanding, and contributing to the evolving landscapes of communication, technology, and reconciliation.
Nina Sudra | Producer, Writer & Director at Butterfly Typhoon Pictures
Nina Sudra is a filmmaker working in the industry for over 25 years. She is committed to creating dialogue about social issues revolving around the multicultural experience. She has embraced her passion of filmmaking and storytelling as a powerful tool to build bridges between people of different ages and cultures. Nina has developed and created films through the National Screen Institute and the National Film Board of Canada. Her films have travelled the globe, been broadcast internationally and touched many lives. These works have encouraged conversations between a varied spectrum of people; from children in impoverished villages to graduate students in universities. Nina’s films have received national and international accolades and have won several awards. Recently Nina has directed a documentary called “Bridging the Gap” about refugee and newcomer families navigating the school system. It has been picked up by Moving Pictures Distribution. She has also released a short film “Travels with Miranda” which was filmed in Cuba along with a documentary she co-produced called “The Gateway” about hip hop culture in Calgary. Currently she is directing a documentary called “Gandhi’s Threads” and is developing a feature narrative comedy called “My Heart is a Marshmallow.”