IM4 & VIFF Immersed Presents Indigenizing Indie Immersive Panel

The IM4 Lab and VIFF Immersed invites you to attend the online panel, Indigenizing Indie Immersive, at the Vancouver International Film Festival. 

This online panel brings together leading Indigenous XR creators for a conversation on how independent production in immersive is redefining modes of sharing storytelling and experience. Moderated by IM4 as part of the Immersive Knowledge Transfer series, speakers will discuss their process and toolset, cultivating opportunities and overcoming challenges in creating indie XR.

The online panel will feature the following,

Doreen Manuel is the sixth child of Grand Chief Dr. George Manuel and Marceline Manuel. She is a graduate of the Aboriginal Film and Television Diploma Program (AFTP) at Capilano University, and now the Director of the Indigenous Independent Digital Filmmaking Program there. Doreeen has an extensive background in First Nations education and community development. She is the recipient of the Governor General of Canada Medal Award for her studies in AFTP. 

Naomi Condo is Mi’gmaq from Gesgapegiag, and the proud mother of two. She draws her inspiration and strength from her parents. She enjoys being physically active, hopes to revitalize and promote the Indigenous way of life, and has dedicated her life to fighting violence against women, children, and the elderly. Naomi has directed four shorts with Wapikoni. In 2019, she codirected her fifth, a VR film.

Craig Commanda is an Anishnabe musician and filmmaker from Kitigan Zibi First Nation. He plays guitar and bass, and scores the music to his own films, as well as for other film projects and collaborations.

Ryan Atimoyoo is a Cree First Nations from Little Pine Reserve as well as an international award winning writer/director/producer. He has gathered numerous international awards and screenings and worked on various projects including Batman vs Superman, Fast 7 Furious 7, Fear The Walking Dead, and The Magicians. Ryan has enjoyed the full range spectrum of storytelling from Directing and Cinematography through to Acting and Visual Effects. He has recently completed his first VFX Short VR film “Chord VR”.

Wiremu Grace is the writer and co-director of Whakakitenga, Aotearoa’s first Māori VR film, showcased at the Māoriland Film Festival. He studied writing at Whitireia Community Polytechnic in Porirua City, and later went on to gain a Masters degree in creative writing at Victoria University in Wellington. Wiremu’s filmography includes the shorts Tūrangwaewaeand Kēhau. 

Be sure to register for free on the VIFF Immersed event’s page (link) to watch the online panel.