The film industry is becoming a regular staple here in Kamloops. It is increasingly common to see big film trucks and their tents set up downtown, such as from the Christmas movie filmed in February, and others rumored to quickly follow. There are Kamloops Film Festivals, indie productions, Mastermind Studios, and 24-hour filmmaking contests, which are just a few of the ways that film has become a part of the fabric of the Kamloops scene. And of course, all of the local people that make that film magic happen, and those who want to get in on the action.
As a response to the growing need for a place for budding and experienced filmmakers to gather, the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission is hosting a monthly Film Industry Networking Event (F.I.N.E.) that blends education with an opportunity to share knowledge, resources, and ideas with like-minded people.
When speaking with Thompson-Nicola Film Commissioner Terri Hadwin, she described how the filmmakers in town were lamenting about the lack of a way to get together with other film people in Kamloops. With this in mind, F.I.N.E. began with the help of a practicum student who researched venues and speakers to pave the way to bring F.I.N.E. to light.
Local filmmaker Vesta Giles was also brought into the initiative, bringing her first-hand experience and vast film knowledge to the team. Vesta is known for her works, such as: “When I’m Dead” (2018), “The Dirt Chix: Making Time” (2019), and “The Test” (2024).
“She is really paving the way with these events,” Hadwin said. “I require my team in order to move these events forward.”
Open to folks of all ages, experience levels, and abilities, the F.I.N.E. events started in September of 2024 to a room of roughly 30 filmmakers and film enthusiasts. “Indigenous Storytelling and Working in Film” was the breakout topic. The guest speaker was Doreen Manuel, the first Indigenous woman to serve on the Board of Directors as chair of the Equity and Inclusion Committee of Knowledge Network, and direct the Bosa Centre for Film and Animation. Doreen has a wide and varied background in television and film as a news reporter, producer, director, writer, and story editor, focusing on Indigenous stories.
The debut event was a smash success! Moving forward, new speakers are brought in to speak about topics of interest, to share knowledge, information, tips, tricks, and offer a voice of experience to those who want to get into film — those who have been in the industry for ages, and everyone in between.
“It changes all the time. What I really enjoy seeing is the new faces with the different subjects,” Hadwin said. “So far, we’ve kind of been guiding the topics depending on what is happening.”
Other speakers have included filmmaker Daniel Akinshola for Black History Month and, most recently, Audrey Kiss of Storyhive to discuss grant options to potential fundees.
During Audrey’s discussion, she described the multiple ways that Storyhive has helped amateur and experienced filmmakers, bloggers, and storytellers through grants, education, mentoring, and marketing. The goal is to give emerging filmmakers the resources they need to bring their visions to life. And also, to continue supporting established artists here in Canada as they grow and evolve into established artists.
You can check out the local works on the Storyhive website or the Telus channel to see some of the great talent that lives here in Kamloops, many of whom come out the regular F.I.N.E. events.
And while the speakers are incredibly informative and bring their own knowledge and experience to the table, the events are also designed so that those attending have the time and space to share their projects, thoughts, ideas, and questions with their peers. And that, Hadwin said, can also lead to sharing work.
“Just like any job, it’s a lot of who you know. Coming out to these networking events goes a long way.
“You’ll meet people who maybe have funding from Storyhive, and you can work on their projects, and then when you get funding, they can work on yours.
“As long as people keep coming out to the events,”said Hadwin, “it proves there’s a need.”
F.I.N.E. generally runs on the third Sunday of each month, except on Mother’s Day Sunday and Easter weekend.
The next F.I.N.E. will be on Sunday, March 16. The topic will be: Women in the Director’s Chair.” Tickets are $5 and you can register online or pay at the door. Come on out and meet other aspiring and established filmmakers from the region.
Follow the Film Kamloops Facebook page for up-to-date information, callouts, and opportunities. And, of course, when you come on out to these events, share your ideas, your skills, and your willingness to learn — you just might be on your way to becoming the next Spielberg.