MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Join us for an exclusive screening of the pilot episode of Don’t Even with a conversation and Q&A with showrunner and screenwriter Amber-Sekowan Daniels, director Zoe Hopkins, and Senior Production Executive at Bell Media Christian Kelley.

Brought to you by Crave and APTN, in association with Pier 21 Films, Frantic Films Manitoba, and Sekowan Media, Don’t Even is a dramatic comedy that follows Indigenous BFFs in late ‘90s Winnipeg as they face uncertain futures after high school. As overachiever Violet goes after the unexpected and aimless Harley distracts herself from a secret, the bonds of their friendship are tested.

SPEAKERS

Amber-Sekowan Daniels

Screenwriter/Showrunner, Don’t Even

Amber-Sekowan Daniels is an Anishininew screenwriter and showrunner. She was born and raised in Winnipeg and is a band member of Garden Hill First Nation.

Amber is the creator and showrunner of the coming-of-age comedy Don’t Even for Crave and APTN. She was also a co-creator and co-showrunner on season 1 of the CTV Comedy/APTN series Acting Good. Amber was in the room for CBC’s Trickster and co-wrote on Diggstown III for CBC.

Amber’s stand-up comedy has been featured in the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Oddblock Comedy Festival and on CBC’s The Debaters. She was awarded Reel World Film Festival’s 2021 Trailblazer award.

Zoe Hopkins

Director, Don’t Even

Zoe Hopkins was born in her mother’s community of Bella Bella, BC and now lives in her father’s community of Six Nations, Ontario. She is a Heiltsuk and Mohawk writer and director who works in both comedy and drama, telling stories about family. She is passionate about being a mom, and a Mohawk language speaker. For her work on Little Bird she is a CSA, DGC, and WGC nominee.

Christian Kelley

Senior Production Executive, Bell Media

Chris Kelley has worked as a production executive on such shows as Children Ruin Everything, Shoresy, Letterkenny, New Eden, Late Bloomer, Acting Good, Corner Gas Animated and many, many others. His favorite ocean is the Atlantic.

Moderator: Adam Garnet Jones

Director of TV Content & Special Events, APTN

Adam Garnet Jones is Cree-Métis from Edmonton. For 14 years, he worked as a writer & director of scripted features and TV. In 2018, he shifted toward content development and advocacy for Indigenous creators, founding the role of Indigenous Initiatives Lead at Telefilm Canada and the Canada Media Fund. Now, Adam is delighted to lead his team as Director of TV Content and Special Events at APTN. In his role, Adam is responsible for setting the direction of the network’s programming, and helping to nurture Indigenous content. This year, he has been particularly proud of his work on Little Bird, Bones of Crows and the live National broadcast commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Check-in begins 4:30 PM

Complimentary food and drinks will be available for Academy Members as well as access to the Osteria Rialto space at Paradise Theatre.

All events are FREE for members of the Academy, CMPA, and DGC Ontario. Panels will be available for members to stream at a later date. More information regarding virtual access to follow.

Become a member to access Members Forum programming and events for free!

See the Members Forum 2024 programming and schedule list here (More TBA)
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Presenting Partner:
Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA)

Supporting Partners:
Directors Guild of Canada in Ontario (DGC – Ontario), Independent Production Fund

Hospitality Partners:
De’ Longhi Canada, Opimian Wine Club
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