Honouring Pan-Asian Heritage: Applications for the TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Storyteller Edition open on April 1
TELUS STORYHIVE is thrilled to launch their inaugural Pan-Asian Storyteller Edition, which will help tell important and often underrepresented stories from Alberta and British Columbia.
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Telus Storyhive
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Alejandra Lazcano
This program is designed to help empower new and emerging filmmakers of Pan-Asian descent in both provinces by providing them with substantial resources and opportunities to bring their content dreams to life.
This program is a reflection of the rich diversity of narratives from Pan-Asian creatives in Canada. TELUS STORYHIVE’s aim is to be inclusive of the breadth and depth of experiences of new and emerging filmmakers in B.C. and Alberta who are of Asian descent from across all regions of continental Asia.
$20,000 production grant opportunity
Applications for the TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Storyteller Edition open on April 1, 2025. If your story idea is selected, you will receive $20,000 in production funding, training, and professional mentorship (in partnership with the National Screen Institute) to produce a narrative short film or documentary. Gain access to over one million new viewers on TELUS Optik TV, Stream+ and over 162,000 subscribers on STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel.
“Representation is crucial in shaping cultural identity, especially for the Pan-Asian diaspora whose stories in Canada span multiple generations impacted by migration and cultural adaptation,” says Kent Donguines, TELUS STORYHIVE Program Manager. “Our goal is to uplift untapped unique voices and authentically portray the depth of Pan-Asian Canadian experiences that resonate across Western Canada and beyond
Through STORYHIVE Voices, Randall was able to connect with people in the community and learn some new things along the way.
STORYHIVE alumni, Iana Chang, shares how STORYHIVE helped her grow as a filmmaker.
Iana Chung is a STORYHIVE alum and project lead of Red Sirens and Becoming Him.
“I was exposed to all aspects of filmmaking very quickly," she explains. "Working with STORYHIVE is great! They provide excellent creative support, resources, and a collaborative network that you can seek help from in all stages of the filmmaking process.”
Mentorship is also a big focus for STORYHIVE. Mentors guide participants through various stages of filmmaking while ensuring that storytelling remains at the heart of each project – a lesson Iana found invaluable during her own creative endeavors: "My mentor from the National Screen Institute was great! They are well established in the industry... so lean on them!"
For those considering applying, authenticity stands out as crucial advice shared by past participants like Iana: “Be authentic; let your unique cultural perspective shine through. Ask yourself, ‘why are you telling this story’ five times and let that answer shine in your film. Focus on what you are trying to say and tease the audience about it. Take it all in and enjoy the ride. Welcome to the film community! I’m excited to see your films on the big screen.
Join us for a Filmmaker Chat with Wesley Chan of Wong Fu Productions on March 27
To kick off this brand new program, TELUS STORYHIVE is hosting a filmmaker chat with Wong Fu Productions. Don't miss this special opportunity to hear from Wesley Chan, a co-founder of Wong Fu Productions, trailblazers in independent filmmaking and Pan-Asian storytelling. From their early filmmaking days in 2003, even before the launch of YouTube, to becoming a leading voice in Asian American culture, their storytelling has pioneered authentic portrayals of Pan-Asian stories. For more than 20 years, their work continues to inspire generations of storytellers. Moderated by Natasha Jung, Founder, CEO & Executive Producer of Cold Tea Collective and a STORYHIVE alumni. Tune in on March 27 from 4-5pm PT on TELUS Optik TV channel 9 and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel. Register for the event here.
For more information on the Pan-Asian Storyteller Edition, visit STORYHIVE.com. Applications open on April 1, 2025.
Since 2013, TELUS STORYHIVE has helped to empower a community of thousands of local content creators across British Columbia and Alberta, providing over $66.9 million in production funding and creating a safe space for storytellers to hone their skills and bring the projects they care about to life.
