Youth Filmmakers and the Legacy of Filmmaking: Celebrating Filmpool's 45th Anniversary

Still from Payphone by Mason Kubbernus at the SIFA 2023 film screening. Kubbernus was the SIFA winner Award for the Best Youth Film, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Esperanza Sanchez Espitia

In the enchanting tapestry of cinematic dreams, the Youth Filmpool Artist In Residence (YFAIR) program of 2023 emerged as a radiant thread woven by the Saskatchewan Filmpool Cooperative. In the cooperative’s 46th year, it was not merely a celebration of time but a profound testament to the enduring legacy of nurturing young talents. Conversations with youthful visionaries such as Linzy Zheng, Jodie Bailey, and Honnête Gauthier illuminated the impact of YFAIR and the pivotal role of young voices in taking up the torch of filmmaking heritage.

For Zheng, the journey into filmmaking is entwined with cherished cinematic gems. Pixar’s heartwarming Up (2009) shines as her favourite, its heartwarming montage striking a chord with her emotions right from the film’s powerful opening sequence. Zheng’s fondness for the whimsical and imaginative Bao (2018) also speaks volumes, as its representation of family dynamics resonates deeply within her, as does its homage to Chinese culture. In a landscape where Chinese elements are scarce, the film serves as a cultural mirror she didn’t realize she craved. The overprotective nature of the dumpling parents reflects her own experiences, underscoring the importance of diverse cultural representation in cinema.

Zheng’s Canadian identity is etched into her artistry, a sentiment further nurtured by YFAIR. In the vibrant atmosphere of the program, facilitated by the exchange of knowledge, memories become a powerful catalyst for self-discovery. As stories unfold, Zheng finds herself captivated by narratives that resonate with her own cultural heritage and roots. 

Jordan Bailey during YFAIR programming, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Esperanza Sanchez Espitia

In a symphony of voices, other youth participants share their YFAIR stories. Drawn by the allure of filmmaking, each individual brings unique dreams and aspirations. Jordan Bailey, who ventured into YFAIR due to an intriguing flyer, now finds herself captivated by the world of film and the multiple possibilities that Regina’s community offers to her.

Sibling Jodie’s passion for creating movies led her to the Filmpool Cooperative Artists in Residence, where she honed her skills with a 16 mm Bolex camera. Jodie’s dream is to craft a substantial cinematic experience.  The Bailey siblings — Jodie, Jordan, and Josh — were all captivated, eager to test various cameras, with a particular focus on exploring those used in television sets at Access Communications. Their gazes extended beyond the equipment, reaching towards the vast expanse of space, envisioning a brilliant future as cinematographers.

Jodie Bailey experiments with a camera during YFAIR programming.
Photo courtesy of Esperanza Sanchez Espitia

The notion of legacy and continuity emerges as a theme. These talented young artists envision themselves as future filmmakers and scriptwriters driven by their love for storytelling. Honnête Gauthier, the youngest of the group at only 11-years-old, is drawn into the enchantment of film and currently pondering future roles in this dynamic field. For Gauthier, the visual aspect of film captures the essence, just as Instagram and TikTok encapsulate her generation’s visual language. It's impressive that, as the youngest participant in the group, Gauthier decided to challenge herself by venturing into the documentary genre. Documentaries require a unique set of skills, including research, storytelling, and a keen eye for capturing real-life events. This move suggests a willingness to step outside her comfort zone, learn new things, and contribute to the group in a meaningful way.

Sound and visuals intertwine as pivotal elements in filmmaking. The significance of music, sound effects, and dialogue reverberates in the conversation. These budding filmmakers understand the interplay of sensory experiences that cinema orchestrates.

The message that these young talents seek to deliver is diverse and compelling. From exploring narrative nuances to understanding characters' arcs, YFAIR’s participants are poised to become the storytellers of tomorrow. Their dreams and aspirations are as varied as the cinematic landscape they envision, and the Filmpool stands as a beacon, providing them with the tools and guidance needed to flourish.

Josh Bailey at a screening at the Saskatchewan Filmpool Cooperative.
Photo courtesy of Esperanza Sanchez Espitia

As the conversation weaves together, a theme emerges: YFAIR is more than a program; it’s a transformative experience. Its significance lies not only in learning the craft of filmmaking but also in understanding the resonance of cinema in society. The torch of filmmaking legacy, now passed into the hands of these vibrant young talents, illuminates the path toward a cinematic future rich in diversity, creativity, and profound storytelling.

In an era where cinematic landscapes metamorphose with each frame, YFAIR cultivates the auteurs of tomorrow. The Filmpool’s forty six years are not just a chronicle of time but a saga of commitment. A commitment to sowing the seeds of cinematic brilliance nurturing them through the hands of mentors and reaping a harvest of multicultural storytelling that would make even the most seasoned cineaste nod in approval.

As the screening lights dimmed and the applause resonated, the impact of YFAIR’s mentorship shone brightly. The program illuminated the path for the young filmmakers, showing them that the journey from script to screen is more than a technical process; it’s a journey of self-discovery, artistic expression, and profound connection.

Group photo at IMAX during the 2023 YFAIR program. Left to right: Hagere Selam "shimby" Zegeye-Gebrehiwot, Calic Tolentino, Linzy Zheng, Honnête Gauthier, Aurora Mantee, Candy Fox, Hilarey Cowan, Mason Kubbernus, Jodie Bailey, Jordan Bailey, and Josh Bailey
Photo courtesy of Esperanza Sanchez Espitia

As the sun dipped behind the prairie landscape, the final short film screening took place at the Filmpool on August 26, 2023 as part of the Nuit Blanche program. The mentors, Candy Fox, Esperanza Sanchez Espitia, and Filmpool Staff, Hagere Selam "shimby" Zegeye-Gebrehiwot, Hilarey Cowan, and Calic Tolentino beamed with pride, their hearts swelled with gratitude for the participants who embrace this journey of knowledge and creation, The culmination of this exchange was a testament to the power of mentorship, the alchemical transformation of raw talent into crafted storytelling. The final screening program included: Filmmakers in the Wild by Jordan Bailey, 23.07.2268 by Josh Bailey, Living with Mortality by Linzy Zheng, Blood Hounds 2023 by Honnête Gauthier, Super Fun Summer by Jodie Bailey and Aurora Mantee,  and Payphone by Mason Kubbernus, who received the SIFA Award for best Youth Film, 2023.

Amidst the applause and the cinematic glow, YFAIR’s 2023 acknowledges the contribution that had woven this tapestry of creativity. Gratitude extended to Alyssa Fearon for the tour of Cheryl L’Hirondelle’s exhibit at the Dunlop Gallery, Jon Vaughn at the RPL Whispering Room Sound Studio, Ian Campbell - Holophon, Cullen Angus - Heritage Press, Spencer Burridge, Colleen Gust, and Jake Lew - Access Communications, Trevor Ewen - IMAX Theatre, and Holly Aubichon - Sâkêwêwak First Nations Artists' Collective. The YFAIR 2023 program is deeply respectful of the Treaty Four territory, acknowledging the ancestral lands on which these dreams were realized.

In its 46th year, the Saskatchean Filmpool Cooperative showcases its unwavering commitment to preserving the art of filmmaking. As the YFAIR program continues to nurture the dreams of these young artists, it reinforces the importance of embracing the cinematic heritage while propelling it to the future. From conversations to creation, YFAIR embodies the essence of a legacy, innovation, and the unyielding passion of youth, ensuring that the magic of filmmaking remains alive and vibrant for generations to come.