The Film Career Development Program (FCDP) is a mentorship program that provides people from under-represented populations the opportunity to participate in all aspects of making a short film. You do not need any prior experience to participate in this program. All you need is a passion to work in film and contribute to a positive and inclusive film-making environment. 

Participants in this program will be mentored by industry professionals in various film production roles. Industry professionals will provide mentorship in some of the following roles: Writer, Camera Assistant, Location Sound Assistant, Assistant to the Director, Assistant to the Producer, Makeup/Hair/Wardrobe Assistant. 

This program is specifically intended to provide people who face systemic barriers, or are from under-represented populations, with the opportunity to make a short film. By following a transparent and equitable selection process, the program aims to identify and support individuals who will benefit most from the opportunities provided, ultimately fostering greater diversity and inclusion in the film industry.

We are excited about offering this program and believe it will contribute immensely to the film industry and to our community. We are grateful for funding support from the Edmonton Screen Industries Office to help us organise this mentorship program. This program is open to individuals with varying levels of experience in the film industry, including beginners with no professional experience at all. We strongly encourage people with a strong desire to work in the film industry to apply. This will be a paid opportunity for the selected participants.

Film Shoot Happening December 14!
Shooting in mid-December brings unique challenges with weather and light, but we’re ready to tackle them head-on with the expertise and guidance of our amazing Mentors and the unwavering support from the film sector and local community.

A huge shoutout to ESIO for their financial support, Edmonton Production Rentals and Studio Post for their sponsorship, and all the Mentors for making this program possible! Your contributions are helping us create an empowering and transformative experience.

About the FCDP
This program is dedicated to fostering inclusivity in the film industry by providing hands-on opportunities for individuals from under-represented communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Women, and individuals with Disabilities. Mentees, paired with Mentors in their chosen areas of interest, are actively learning the filmmaking process and building their careers.

Our Mentees are:

Assistant Producer: My name is Simran Sidhu. I don’t have much experience in the film industry, but I’ve been very passionate for Cinema all my life. I watch 2-3 films every week even now, they are from all time periods as early as 1940s and also from all over the world. I listen to lots of film commentary and have read few books on it too. I’ve always wanted a chance to get in this field but didn’t know how and going to film school was never an option for me. This is my first opportunity and I look forward to meet like minded people. My future plan is to make my own short films, but not before learning from more experienced artists. 

Editor:  Asal Andarzipour (she/they) is an Iranian-Canadian visual artist and curator who walks in her nomad ancestors’ shoes. Her practice explores themes of personal and collective trauma and the body-psyche relationship. She has worn different hats in the production of music videos, documentaries and experimental films, and is currently developing her short animation series “Historical Memories”. In addition to her design degrees from prestigious universities in Tehran and New York, Asal holds a Master of Arts in History of Art, Design and Visual Culture from the University of Alberta. Andarzipour is committed to preserving culture in an ever-changing world and aims to borrow the documentary film medium for curatorial purposes.

Camera Crew: Hello, I’m Julieann Burghardt. I found my love for film in high school when I created my first short film which went on to be screened at a local film festival. After that, I worked as a video editor for a digital marketing company. I am currently fostering my passion by completing my Film and Video diploma at SAIT. In the future, I hope to be a videographer, director of photography and overall key creative in the film industry.

Makeup/Wardrobe/Hair: Tatyana Savoury is a dedicated film set makeup artist with a passion for bringing characters to life through her artistry. With 40 days of on set experience, she has honed her skills in creating diverse looks that enhance storytelling. Tatyana is committed to furthering her career in the film industry by joining IATSE and continuing to work on a variety of productions. Her enthusiasm for makeup and storytelling makes her a valuable asset to any project, and she looks forward to contributing her talents to future cinematic endeavors.

Director Assistant: Abdullah Al-Nono is an Edmonton-based creative with a passion for filmmaking, animation, and storytelling. With over six years of experience in graphic motion design and video creation, he is eager to expand his expertise more into directing and screenwriting. Abdullah’s work reflects a commitment to crafting meaningful narratives that resonate across cultures. Through this program, he aims to further develop his skills and contribute to projects that inspire and connect diverse audiences.

Camera Crew: Naz Sohni Uppal has experience in hosting and producing radio since 2006, and co-hosting and producing television, since 2012. In addition to her on-air radio shows that aired 6 days a week, she hosted the station’s 5 hour New Year’s Eve Party coverage from 2012 – 2020; the live on-air (radio) pre-game, mid-game, and post-game music parties for Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi Edition; and she planned, organized, and executed major radio events like the Bollywood Dance Recital in West Edmonton Mall with 500 audience members. With her on-air television roles, she presented on three programs with OMNI TV – Culture Avenue Alberta, Culture Avenue Ontario, and V-Mix Ontario; and did background work on Focus Punjabi Alberta. At City TV, she presented as “the Bollywood Girl” or her formal title “Western Canada’s Bollywood News Expert.” She also wrote content for a very famous national South Asian wedding magazine, called Suhaag. Naz has won Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, Canadian Ethnic Media Awards, CTV’s Heritage Hero Award, and her junior high just named a Television and Radio Award after her.

Writer: My name is Ryder Hartman, I’m an indigenous screenwriter based in Edmonton. I have been writing screenplays for the past five years, this year I was able to direct two of my own short films as well as work on a handful of other sets in various roles. I plan to continue learning the craft and honing my skills as a writer and filmmaker in the hopes of writing and directing a feature. 

Location Sound: Steven Roy started as a roadie for some rock bands at the age of 14 then got into lighting, guitar tech work for the Rum Bros Vegas Cabaret / Roadie for China White. Since then I have been busy in the entertainment industry working as a sound tech for local  bands at various venues. Security for burlesque and drag performances including sound and light technician (Whilst performing myself). Credited gaffer for a web series and security for another. I’ve always been interested the arts ranging from acting to poetry readings. I’m excited to learn more about the sound equipment and order of operations thus providing me with a more versatile knowledge to continue working in the industry.

Props/Set Dec: My name is Sebastien Howard, I’ve been working on and off in the film industry for a few years. Most often as a Wardrobes assistant for my mother, I’m interested in the costume department of film. I find it fulfilling and enjoyable. In the future I’d like to take up Acting again, alongside the occasional wardrobe job.

Camera Crew: Eva Byn. Growing up with a love for arthouse, indie, and international cinema, I’ve always been captivated by the art of visual storytelling. Currently finishing a screenwriting program through Toronto Film School, I also volunteer with FAVA, archiving and editing for the Edmonton Folk Fest. With a passion for cinematography and camera operation, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from skilled mentors and contribute to Edmonton’s vibrant film community.

Together, we’re building a more inclusive film industry!