Top, from left: Dabi Anele, Elijah Oyibu, Heady Fortuna, Hossam Presly; bottom, from left: Kateryna Starikova, Roula Al-Kayal, Sukhmanpreet Singh, Vira Mylan-Monastyrska; not pictured: Alireza Bayat, Katnancy Cumti.

The National Screen Institute is pleased to announce the 10 participants selected for the NSI Intro to Production pilot program offering a unique and customized opportunity for refugees and newcomers in Manitoba to learn about careers in film and TV production.

Led by program advisor Lesley Oswald, the program features a combination of online and in-person training and is designed to provide entry-level knowledge and hands-on experience in film and TV production.

A selection committee of expert TV and film industry partners selected participants from a large pool of applicants.

Congratulations and welcome:

• Alireza Bayat
• Dabi Anele
• Elijah Oyibu
• Heady Fortuna
• Hossam Presly
• Kateryna Starikova
• Katnancy Cumti
• Roula Al-Kayal
• Sukhmanpreet Singh
• Vira Mylyan-Monastyrska

All of these participants currently reside in Winnipeg, Manitoba. You can read participants’ bios here.

“Diversity among crew members is critical to help combat systemic racism within the creative industries and build a more inclusive production community reflective of the communities in which we live,” said program manager Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill. “We hope this program will help address and remove barriers for newcomers and refugees accessing below-the-line careers and serve as a stepping stone towards a sustainable career in the industry.”

NSI Intro to Production faculty includes story consultant and director mentor Jeffrey St. Jules and manager of programs and development Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill.

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NSI Intro to Production – Manitoba Edition is funded by Program Partner Manitoba Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund, Strategic Sponsors Telefilm Canada and Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada, Provincial Sponsor Manitoba Film and Music, Industry Supporters Reel Canada and On Screen Manitoba. Core Funders: Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.

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About the National Screen Institute

Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, board members and staff, the National Screen Institute supports creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories. Through industry-informed training and mentoring in film, television and digital media, students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.

The National Screen Institute is committed to training participants from a diverse community of voices including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres, those from regional and remote areas and various religious groups.

Further enquiries

Program manager

Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill: sarahs [dot] yellowquill [at] nsi-canada [dot] ca

Media enquiries

Abiola Agbayewa: abiola [dot] agbayewa [at] nsi-canada [dot] ca