News

ALFF Industry Forum at ALFF ‘24, taking place in person from February 9th to 11th, 2024.

February 6, 2024

Exciting news awaits the film community as the ALFF 2024 Industry Program goes live! From February 9th to 11th, participants can immerse themselves in four days of engaging conversations, dynamic presentations, and hands-on workshops at the historic Old Fire Hall, Yukon Theatre, and a limited number of events via Zoom.

Whether you're an emerging talent or a seasoned filmmaker, ALFF Industry has tailored something special for everyone. The schedule includes market presentations, industry panels, exclusive 1-on-1 meetings with decision-makers, and networking opportunities. This year's lineup features online spotlights by renowned industry professionals, an Indie Producing and Distribution 101 Workshop, insights from CBC Absolutely Canadian, and the Knowledge Network which is being presented by their President & CEO Michelle van Beusekom, a renowned professional in the industry and former Executive Producer of the National Film Board’s Canada-wide network of English language production studios. Workshops will be lead by award-winning filmmakers from across the country: Toronto’s Chandler Levack (2022 TIFF Top Ten Canadian film I Like Movies) will teach a Screen-writing From Personal Experience workshop, St. John’s Christian Sparkes, director of the ALFF opening film The King Tide will present Sweetland: Adapting a Novel into a Screenplay and Vancouver-based cinematographer of I’m Just Here for the Riot, Kaayla Whachell, will present a Cinematography workshop.

The program continues with a comprehensive exploration of documentary filmmaking, and panels covering diverse topics from independent film production to discussions on sustainability and climate action in the film industry, among many others. Mark your calendars for the ALFF Pitch Event on Saturday, February 10th, where filmmakers can pitch their projects to an industry jury for a chance to win over $12,000 in combined cash and in-kind support to bring their vision to life. The ALFF Pitch Event, supported by Northwestel Community TV, is a licenced event that is free for anyone to attend.

This year’s guest speakers include the co-founder of Black Lives Matter Canada, Sandy Hudson a multidisciplinary creative, writer, and activist who is the Co-Executive Producer of the 8-part CBC documentary series Black Life: Untold Stories. Sandy Hudson will be joined by co-principal of the company Above the Palace, Rodney Diverlus, in an ALFF Industry Case Study that looks at the production and creation of the Black Life series as well as a screening of the short film Aftercare and an episode from the Black Life series. ALFF Industry 2024 is also pleased to welcome Dr. Jules A. Koostachin, PhD, who is an award-winning filmmaker behind ALFF 2024 official selection, WaaPaKe. The lineup also includes Kathleen Jayme, an award-winning Canadian filmmaker. Her latest project, I’m Just Here For The Riot follows the riots after game seven of the 2011 Stanley Cup in Vancouver and it is being screened as part of the ALFF 2024 program. In addition, there will be many more visiting and Yukon filmmakers present for the screening of their films, from as far away as Portugal (Karina Bedkowska) to as close as Whitehorse, Carcross and Dawson City including: Jewel Davis, Suzanne Crocker, Douglas Joe, Dan Sokolowski, Jessica Hall, Asher Penn, Kelvin Redvers, Julie Robinson, Ian Daffern and KJ Edwards.

ALFF Industry favourites return, including the 1 to 1 sessions exclusive to Industry Passholders. Connect with delegates from prominent organizations such as DGC, CBC, the Knowledge Network, NFB, Telefilm CMPA, Northwestel Community Television, Yukon Media Development, Dawson City International Short Film Festival, IndieCan Entertainment and local producer, Max Fraser. Prepare to be inspired, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about the world of film. Secure your spot now, and let's make ALFF 2024 an unforgettable journey!

Passes are currently on sale and can be found at alff/passes. Single tickets to a selection of events can also be found at alff.ca. 

Additionally, a limited number of complimentary sponsored Industry Passes are available for individuals who identify as Indigenous, Black, Persons of Colour and LGBTQ2S+ Creatives in the Yukon, NWT & BC. For more information, please email alffi@yukonfilmsociety.com.

A big thank you to our incredible supporters – Yukon Media Development through the Yukon Film Training Fund, Telefilm Canada – and appreciation to sponsors Warner Brothers Discovery Access Canada, Canada Media Fund and Northwestel Community Television for making all of this possible.

### About Yukon Film Society (YFS)

The Yukon Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the vibrant film community in the Yukon Territory. Through initiatives like the Available Light Film Festival (ALFF) and ALFF Industry, YFS strives to create opportunities for filmmakers, foster creative collaborations, and celebrate the art of cinema. 

About the Available Light Film Festival (ALFF)

The Available Light Film Festival features 100+ films including 50 feature films. 60+ screenings, ALFF Live concerts, and ALFF Creator talks at the Yukon Arts Centre and the Yukon Theatre on Wood St. over 11 days. The 22nd annual festival presented by the Yukon Film Society takes place in Whitehorse, February 8-18.