Documentary producer and journalist Brandy Yanchyk has released two new CBC documentaries about inclusive hiring for people with intellectual disabilities in Alberta and British Columbia. Employment Matters and Employment Matters Too explore the untapped market and huge potential of the intellectually disabled in the workplace.
Click here to watch “Employment Matters” on CBC
Click here to watch “Employment Matters Too” on CBC
Written, Directed and Produced by Brandy Yanchyk
Director of Photography – Sergio Olivares
Edited by Sarah Taylor
Colour Correction by Michael McIntosh
Sound Production by Johnny Blerot
Two episodes from Ava Karvonen‘s latest short documentary series, The First Kiss And Other Rites Of Passage, have been selected to screen at the upcoming Jasper Short Film Festival on Saturday, September 26. Read More
Award-winning documentary Filmmaker and Producer Adam Scorgie (The Good Son, The Culture High) will be featured as part of Edmonton’s Culture Collective 5th Variety Showcase at the Garneau Theatre on Thursday, September 24. Attendees will get a sneak peek at two of Scorgie’s upcoming documentaries:
ICE GUARDIANS
On-ice enforcers struggle to rise through the professional ranks of the world’s most prestigious hockey league, only to be confronted with a new found fight for the existence of the role itself. Featuring Jay Baruchel, Chris Chelios and Dave Semenko.

Adam Scorgie (right) with Gretzky Bodyguard and hockey legend Dave “Cement” Semenko.
CHASING EVEL: The Life Of Robbie Knievel
Robbie Knievel, 52 and the owner of 20 world records and 350 jumps worldwide, uncovers his life through his personal pursuit of sobriety and the need of continuing his father’s legacy by jumping once again.
The Culture Collective is Thursday, September 24 at the Metro Cinema (Garneau Theatre – 8712 – 109 St NW). Doors at 7 p.m.
Purchase Tickets for The Culture Collective
Event on Facebook
The 5th Annual Fort McMurray International Film Festival (YMMIFF) was held early September at Keyano Recital Theatre. Organizers were pleased with the audience turn out, marking it the most successful festival since inauguration.
“The community support is incredible for this international celebration of cinema.” said co-organizer Misty Oakes; “The YMM arts scene is alive and well. We have been so fortunate to see our festival grow and evolve over the years all thanks to our association members and supporters.”
15 awards totalling over $5,000 were handed out in the closing ceremony presented by the YMMFMA founding board members and festival co‐organizers. Volunteer judges Cody Bown, Hanna Fridhed and Diana Moser provided artistic analyses while critiquing each competitive submission and listed the following as winners:
The Fort McMurray Filmmakers Association (YMMFMA) rolls out the red carpet this Friday with the first evening of international cinema. Guests are welcome to join the celebrations on the red carpet at Keyano Recital Theatre starting at 7pm each night. The Red Carpet Experience is a social mixer featuring music, cocktails and a photo shoot. The festival promises to entertain audiences with 3 full nights of films featuring local, national and international artists.
In addition to each evening’s screenings, the film festival, in partnership with Arts Council Wood Buffalo, has added two special events with local professional filmmaker Cody Bown.
“Arts Council Wood Buffalo is excited to be working with YMMFMA to provide another facet to the Fort McMurray International Film Festival.” said Constance Scarlett, Executive Director of Arts Council Wood Buffalo; “Our region boasts a vibrant film community; workshops such as these are an investment in our emerging artists and support the growth of Wood Buffalo’s creative economy.”
The speaker sessions are open to the public, filmmakers and enthusiasts of all levels who are encouraged to attend to receive first-hand knowledge from an industry insider. The workshops will be held September 5 and 6 from 12pm to 4pm in room 232 of the Bob Lamb Building at Keyano College. Registration is $16 for ACWB member and $21 for non-members.
Cody Bown’s speaker session on Saturday will focus on preproduction including creative planning, scripting, scheduling and more. The Sunday workshop will be geared towards the production and post-production aspects of making a film.
“I’m trying to encourage any and every one to pursue film.” said filmmaker Cody Bown, winner of the 2014 YMMIFF Local Spirit Award; “It’s such a wonderful way of telling stories. Fort McMurray is and will always be my home and I want to do everything in my power to help anyone considering this as a path.”
For more information about the workshops and to register, visit www.ymmiff.com.
Tickets are on sale now for the 5th Annual YMMIFF September 4-6 at Keyano Recital Theatre. Tickets can be purchased for $13 per night or $30 for a full weekend pass.