DISCOVER CANADA’S PROGRAMMING AT SXSW SYDNEY 2024!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15
4pm to 6pm
Anything But a Suit, a women’s empowerment panel
Canada in Australia in partnership with Girls Run the World invite you to join High Commissioner Julie Sunday, Asha Clementi and guests. Grab a drink, take a seat and wear anything but a suit!
Asha Clementi
Asha Clementi is the Founder and CEO of Girls Run the World. She is an award-winning gender equality activist creating opportunities for young women in leadership and diplomacy. She graduated from the Australian National University with a Master of Diplomacy in 2022 and a Bachelor of International Security Studies in 2021.
At the age of 17, she co-founded The Girls Leadership Network. The program holds a series of free leadership workshops for young women aged 16 to 21, inspiring participants to create and run their own initiatives – from school clubs to social impact start-ups. In 2018, Asha founded Girls Run The World – a program that encourages young women to consider careers in diplomacy. It has given over 300 participants the opportunity to spend a day in 50 participating Embassies and High Commissions, meeting with ambassadors and making tangible contributions to the embassy’s work. She has recently started the Women in Strategic Policy program – a new initiative, funded by the Department of Defence that trains and supports young women to contribute to Australia’s strategic policy debate.
She was named the 2022 ACT Young Woman of the Year and one of the 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians. Her work has been recognised internationally, as she received a Commonwealth Points of Light award from Queen Elizabeth II and a Hän Honour from the Government of Finland.
Dr. Julie Sunday
Dr. Julie Sunday has served at two of Canada’s central agencies—the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and the Privy Council Office—and was director general of Clean Technology Innovation at Natural Resources Canada.
Dr Sunday joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2005. At Global Affairs Canada, she has served as Director for Science, Technology and Innovation; Director General and Adviser to the Chief Financial Officer; Director General, Security and Emergency Management, and Chief Security Officer; and Director General for Pandemic Response (2021), a role in which she led the department’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution campaign.
Most recently, Dr Sunday served as Assistant Deputy Minister for the Consular, Security and Emergency Management Branch, and led Canada’s consular policy and operations; travel advice; and international emergency policy, operations and response. She also spearheaded efforts to advance the Canada-led Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations. Ms. Sunday was named Canada’s first senior official for hostage affairs in October 2023, and has led diplomatic engagement to support the release of hostages abroad.
6pm to 8pm
Canada House Opening Reception
Canada House and our partners welcome you to our official opening reception. Join us to celebrate our return to SXSW Sydney and get a sneak peek at some of our amazing artists.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
12pm to 1pm
Lunch and Learn: Careers in Canada, presented by International Experience Canada
Are you just getting started in your career or dreaming of taking it to the next level? Come along to Canada House @ SXSW Sydney for complimentary lunch while learning about job opportunities in Canada in various sectors. Explore International Experience Canada Working Holiday and other pathways for you to make your dream a reality. Then, listen to overviews on current trends and opportunities from Canadians and Australians who have worked in AI, screen, music and diplomacy/ public sector in Canada. Following this, take advantage of the breakout sessions with dynamic experts and do a deep dive into what it’s like to work in Canada in these sectors and best practices in the industry. Don’t miss this chance to expand your network, knowledge and international career prospects in this relaxed and interactive session.
Olivier Blais
Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer
Moov AI
Having played a role as an editor of the international ISO standard defining the quality of artificial intelligence systems and leading a team of 50 AI professionals from different countries, he was appointed as the President of the Canadian Committee for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at ISO/IEC. This committee aims to promote global cooperation and drive progress in the field of AI, ensuring that Canadian expertise has a significant impact on a global scale.
His cutting-edge knowledge in AI and machine learning has led him to lead the implementation of a data culture in various industries and support digital transformation projects in numerous Canadian companies.
Olivier is an inspiring leader, placing innovation and security at the core of his concerns. Firmly believing that AI can empower humans, he is always on the lookout for new solutions to help businesses achieve their objectives.
Shant Joshi
President
Fae Pictures
Shant Joshi is an award-winning producer and president of Fae Pictures, based in New York and Toronto, on a mission to decolonize Hollywood. His credits include award winners at Sundance (Framing Agnes), Red Sea (In Flames), Iris Prize (Scaring Women at Night), Durban (Runs in the Family), premieres at Cannes, Toronto, Canneseries (Streams Flow From A River), Aspen (I Live Here), Palm Springs (Diaspora), Hot Docs, Black Star (Noor and Layla), Bentonville, and BFI London, and nominees for the Canadian Screen Awards (Queen Tut). He was also an executive producer on Nisha Pahuja’s Academy Award ® nominated film To Kill A Tiger, an impact producer on John Greyson’s TEDDY Award-winning film International Dawn Chorus Day, and an associate producer on Ingrid Veninger’s Canadian Screen Award-nominated film Porcupine Lake.
Shant currently sits on the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) Regulatory Committee and was previously Co-Chair of the BIPOC TV & Film Board, on the CMPA EDI committee, and co-founder of the Future of Film Showcase.
He is an alum of the Canadian Film Centre, Rotterdam Lab, and Osgoode Hall Law School, and was named a MIPTV Producer to Watch, Reelworld Trailblazer, nominated for an Indiescreen Award, and to York University’s Top 30 Changemakers under 30.
Ron Kitchener
Founder and CEO
RGK Entertainment Group Inc
Ron Kitchener is a pillar in the Canadian music business. Having managed the careers of multi-platinum, GRAMMY, and JUNO award winning artists, Ron surrounds himself with a team of passionate professionals who push boundaries to inspire an artist’s development to attain tier-one status. Kitchener himself has been honoured with several notable awards that have established his proficiency in artist management, including Manager of the Year at the CCMA awards 14 times.
In addition to the success of his management roster, Ron’s record company, Open Road Recordings, artists have garnered 5 Juno Awards (30 nominations) and more than 56 Canadian Country Music Industry Awards (173 nominations).
2pm to 6pm
Make It Canada Showcase, presented by the Canadian Independent Music Association
The Canadian Independent Music Association joins Canada House this year to present a showcase of Canadian music. With artists spanning from indie to punk there is sure to be something for everyone.
Line Up:
Aysanabee
Aysanabee (Ace-in-abbey) is a two-time JUNO award-winning Oji-Cree artist. With a swirling mix of indie, soul, and electronic sounds and pulse-quickening fingerpicking, his music is both hypnotic and melodious. Aysanabee made history as the first Indigenous artist to win the JUNO Awards for Alternative Album of the Year and the coveted Songwriter of the Year, for Here and Now.
Ila Barker
With her soulful voice and lyrics that wash over the heart and mind like waves, singer-songwriter Ila Barker is a force to be reckoned with. This Winnipeg based folk-soul artist of Anishinaabe and settler heritage takes listeners on an introspective journey, inviting them to connect deeply with their own emotions. Her latest album Fool Under Water (2022) is an honour song to her metamorphosis and a promise that the tide will turn. In 2024 Ila will take the show across the world with official showcases at Folk Alliance International, SXSW Austin, Reeperbahn, SXSW Sydney, and Folk Music Ontario.
Tim Hicks
Tim Hicks continues to lead the way with his sure-footed everyman approach – expanding the songwriting and style that has helped define today’s country music. Delivering track after track with unparalleled quality and consistency, Hicks’ ascent as an elite chart-topping act since making his country-label debut in 2013 is undeniable. His vast catalogue of highly praised releases including Throw Down, 5:01, 5:01+, Shake These Walls, New Tattoo, Wreck This and Campfire Troubadour Volume I has earned the five-time JUNO Award nominee and CCMA Award winner a DOUBLE PLATINUM selling single, four PLATINUM selling singles, seven GOLD singles, one GOLD album and seventeen Top 10 radio hits (including the #1 singles “No Truck Song” and “What A Song Should Do”), in addition to over 200 million collective streams, 35 million YouTube views, multiple sold-out headlining dates and back-to-back national tours.
Jess Moskaluke
An internationally celebrated artist, Jess Moskaluke continues to break barriers in the country music world with her big voice, pop-infused hooks, and sonic versatility, as seen across her 2023 EP ‘Heartbreaker’, including hit singles “Knock Off”, “Heartbreaker” and “Go Get Er” which has peaked at #15 on Canadian country radio and at #4 on Kix Country. As of May 3rd, Jess Moskaluke’s current single “Go Get Er” has reached #1 at Australian country radio.
The OBGMs
The OBGMs from Toronto blend punk, rock, and hip-hop, earning acclaim for “The Ends.” With intense live shows, they’ve performed alongside Death From Above, PUP, and Alexisonfire. Their dynamic energy and genre-blending style promise to captivate global audiences with their bold, unapologetic approach.
Moderator
Sonja Heinen
European Film Promotion
Managing Director
Panelist
Julia Rosenberg
January Films, Canada
Producer
Panelist
Jérôme Dopffer
Balthazar Productions, France
Producer
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
10am to 12pm
New Horizons in Canadian and Australian Film and TV: A Fireside Chat
This panel will highlight efforts to pave new horizons in Canadian and Australian film and TV through funding, policy, production, and advocacy for projects that highlight diversity and social equity. Our panellists will share their journeys and the impact of inclusive storytelling, offering valuable insights to help foster collaboration and finance projects, innovation and develop narratives that bring us closer together.
Moderator
Julie Blondin
National Director, Business Affairs & Coproductions
Telefilm Canada
With a career spanning more than 20 years at Telefilm, Julie demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the film and audiovisual industry, nurturing projects while managing public funds in a transparent, responsible, and ethical manner. She is dedicated to streamlining processes, modernizing programs, and improving customer service. As National Director of Business Relations and Co-Productions, Julie, who holds a law degree from the Université de Montréal and Bachelor of Science degrees from the Université de Montréal and the University of New Hampshire, leads a passionate team of professionals across Canada and is responsible for managing all of Telefilm’s funding programs and audiovisual co-production recommendations.
Speaker
Shant Joshi
President
Fae Pictures
Shant Joshi is an award-winning producer and president of Fae Pictures, based in New York and Toronto, on a mission to decolonize Hollywood. His credits include award winners at Sundance (Framing Agnes), Red Sea (In Flames), Iris Prize (Scaring Women at Night), Durban (Runs in the Family), premieres at Cannes, Toronto, Canneseries (Streams Flow From A River), Aspen (I Live Here), Palm Springs (Diaspora), Hot Docs, Black Star (Noor and Layla), Bentonville, and BFI London, and nominees for the Canadian Screen Awards (Queen Tut). He was also an executive producer on Nisha Pahuja’s Academy Award ® nominated film To Kill A Tiger, an impact producer on John Greyson’s TEDDY Award-winning film International Dawn Chorus Day, and an associate producer on Ingrid Veninger’s Canadian Screen Award-nominated film Porcupine Lake.
Shant currently sits on the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) Regulatory Committee and was previously Co-Chair of the BIPOC TV & Film Board, on the CMPA EDI committee, and co-founder of the Future of Film Showcase.
He is an alum of the Canadian Film Centre, Rotterdam Lab, and Osgoode Hall Law School, and was named a MIPTV Producer to Watch, Reelworld Trailblazer, nominated for an Indiescreen Award, and to York University’s Top 30 Changemakers under 30.
Speaker
Dr. Elaine Laforteza
Equity & Diversity Project Officer
UTS Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion
Dr. Elaine Laforteza has a PhD in Cultural Studies. She currently works as the Equity and Diversity Project Officer (Cultural Diversity) at the UTS Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion. She is also part of the core committee of the UTS Multicultural Women’s Network. She coordinates projects that amplify cultural diversity, enhances race literacy and promotes anti-racism. These include the ‘Say My Name’ campaign, a decolonial approach in recognising and celebrating names dominantly framed as ‘foreign’, ‘tricky’ or ‘unfamiliar’ within Anglo linguistic contexts.
Her book, ‘The Somatechnics of Whiteness and Race’ is available through Routledge. She has published in academic journals on the topics of colonialism, everyday racism, pedagogy, and Filipino-Australian relations. For merging academic research with community activism, she received the ‘Distinguished Service, Young Alumni’ award from Macquarie University.
She also co-established and hosted monthly storytelling shows called Generation Women in Sydney, which invites one woman in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s plus to share an original story. She is the host of the multi-award winning SBS podcast, My Bilingual Family. Furthermore, she is an emerging playwright with her plays produced for various Sydney festivals. She is also currently working with Fae Pictures on a television show, based on one of her plays.
Elaine Laforteza Profile | University of Technology Sydney (uts.edu.au)
Elaine Laforteza (PhD) – University of Technology Sydney | LinkedIn
Speaker
Karen Radzyner
Executive Producer and Head of Development
Photoplay
Karen Radzyner is Co-Head of Scripted at Photoplay Films. Prior to joining them in early 2022, she was a commissioning editor at SBS, where she commissioned several award-winning digital series HOMECOMING QUEENS; THE TAILINGS and anthology series QUEER FOR SHORT. In December 2023, she won the Content London Drama Series Pitch Competition with SONG OF THE SUN GOD, an adaptation of Miles Franklin-award-winning novelist Shankari Chandran’s best-selling book. She is also developing Shankari’s newly released spy novel, UNFINISHED BUSINESS with Screen Australia investment.
In 2023 she released two series she produced – multi-award winning AACTA-nominated SBS Digital Original APPETITE, which launched in the Short Form Competition at CanneSeries 2023 and AACTA-nominated ABC ME’s THE DISPOSABLES, which premiered at the inaugural SXSW Sydney. Previously she produced multi-award-winning TV mini-series – ABC’s PAPER GIANTS (2011) and Nine’s TWO TWISTED (2006); as well as indie feature, BEING VENICE (2012) from poet Miro Bilbrough (released theatrically in France and NZ), before a decade in film and TV development and finance roles at Scott Free London, SBS, Screen Australia and Screen NSW.
Photoplay Films is passionate about taking little known stories from visionary talent to a wide audience and has premium series, co-productions and films at various stages of development, production and release with Cineflix, Transmission, Umbrella Films, ABC, SBS, Screen Australia and Screen NSW.
Speaker
Shankari Chandran
Author
Shankari Chandran is an Australian Tamil lawyer and author of Song of the Sun God (Ultimo Press), The Barrier (Pan Macmillan) and Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens (Ultimo Press), which won the 2023 Miles Franklin Literary Award. Song of the Sun God was long-listed for the International Dublin Literary Award (2019) and short-listed for Sri Lanka’s Fairway National Literary Award (2018). Her next novel, Safe Haven (May 2024, Ultimo Press) involves an offshore detention centre, a nun and a dead border force guard. Her thriller, Unfinished Business will be released as an Audible Original in March 2023, featuring her protagonist Ellie Harper (human rights lawyer and ex-CIA agent) and as a book in November 2024. This is the first novel in her Ellie Harper series which is in the early stages of development. Song of the Sun God is being adapted for television, starring Bridgerton’s Charithra Chandran (no relation, just a quirky coincidence). She spent two decades working as a lawyer in the social justice field, on national and international program design and delivery. She continues her work in social impact for an Australian national retailer. She is based in Sydney, Australia, where she lives with her husband and her four children.
11am to 3pm
Are you planning to expand your business in North America? Uncover Canada’s potential as a world class destination to set up and expand your business.
Hear from our Keynote Olivier Blais, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Moov AI, recognized as a leader in deploying artificial intelligence solutions in Canada:
- Discover why Canada is the right place for your international expansion
- Get practical advice on how to do business in Canada
- Meet like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders and learn from Australian companies successfully operating in Canada
Presentation – Why So Many Businesses Invest in Canada
Presenter
Bertrand Raoult
Senior Investment Officer
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Bertrand is a MBA qualified senior accounts and sales professional with over 25 years international experience. Originally from France, Bertrand moved to Australia in 2007 and previously worked in Ireland, Latin America, France and Spain.
In his current role, Bertrand plays a critical role as a trusted advisor to Australian and New Zealand companies willing to set up or expand their operations in Canada.
His responsibilities include: Investment support (Investment business case, Information and advice on doing business in Canada, Strategic market intelligence, Regulatory environment, Incentive programs, Site visits) and Introductions (Promotion agencies, Key contacts in private industry, academia and government, Industry events and international activities, Investment support professionals)
Presentation – How Canada Nurtures its Talent Pool Through Immigration
Presenter
Scott Paterson
Consul and Migration Program Manager
Consulate General of Canada
Since joining the Department of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2007 as a foreign service officer, Scott has held overseas positions in Singapore, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, and most recently Abu Dhabi as Deputy Migration Program Manager. Prior to arriving in Sydney in 2021, Scott was the Assistant Director, Strategic Planning and Delivery at the International Network of IRCC in Ottawa.
In addition to being a full-service processing centre, the Sydney migration office has a specialized International Experience Canada (IEC / working holiday) promotion team that supports both inbound and outbound youth exchange between Canada and Australia & New Zealand.
Accredited to: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa (American), Samoa (Western), Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna
Fireside Chat – Why Canada is Becoming a Global AI Powerhouse
Moderator
Manon Dumas
Deputy High Commissioner
High Commission of Canada to Australia
Guest
Olivier Blais
Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer
Moov AI
Having played a role as an editor of the international ISO standard defining the quality of artificial intelligence systems and leading a team of 50 AI professionals from different countries, he was appointed as the President of the Canadian Committee for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at ISO/IEC. This committee aims to promote global cooperation and drive progress in the field of AI, ensuring that Canadian expertise has a significant impact on a global scale.
His cutting-edge knowledge in AI and machine learning has led him to lead the implementation of a data culture in various industries and support digital transformation projects in numerous Canadian companies.
Olivier is an inspiring leader, placing innovation and security at the core of his concerns. Firmly believing that AI can empower humans, he is always on the lookout for new solutions to help businesses achieve their objectives.
Panel Discussion – Unlocking The Maple Leaf Dream: Business Success Stories and Beyon
Moderator
Manon Dumas
Deputy High Commissioner
High Commission of Canada to Australia
Panelist
Olivier Blais
Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer
Moov AI
Having played a role as an editor of the international ISO standard defining the quality of artificial intelligence systems and leading a team of 50 AI professionals from different countries, he was appointed as the President of the Canadian Committee for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at ISO/IEC. This committee aims to promote global cooperation and drive progress in the field of AI, ensuring that Canadian expertise has a significant impact on a global scale.
His cutting-edge knowledge in AI and machine learning has led him to lead the implementation of a data culture in various industries and support digital transformation projects in numerous Canadian companies.
Olivier is an inspiring leader, placing innovation and security at the core of his concerns. Firmly believing that AI can empower humans, he is always on the lookout for new solutions to help businesses achieve their objectives.
Panelist
Allan Nguyen
Co-Founder and CFO
Ezyremit
In 2009, Allan commenced his finance journey after earning a Master of Applied Finance from UWS. He began his career at MGB Public Accountants in 2010, refining his accounting and finance skills. In 2012, he assumed a senior accountant role at Roy Spagnolo & Associates, where he provided essential financial and taxation advice to Brenex Pty Ltd, contributing significantly to the success of 52 projects valued from $2 million to $70 million.
In the same year, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Allan Nguyen founded Allan & Co, his own Accountancy Practice. This allowed him to offer tailored financial and taxation services to clients in Vietnam and Australia, emphasizing client satisfaction and exceptional financial services.
Allan’s achievements extend beyond his practice, earning him the “Most Innovative Financial Services CFO” award in both 2022 and 2023. This recognition underscores his visionary leadership and contributions to the finance sector. His leadership has propelled EzyRemit to rapid growth and global acclaim, attracting top talents worldwide.
3pm to 4pm
AI — friend or foe to human creativity?
This debate will dive into the future of Creativity & AI. From AI-powered paintbrushes and playlists to podcasts and books – in this heated debate, we’ll hear how AI is changing the way we create and all the opportunities and pitfalls that go with it. We’ll hear from experts in the space – Jessie Hughes (Sr Creative Technologist @ Leonardo.ai) and Jonno Seidler (Author & Creative Director @ Mosh) in a debate moderated by Elli Hanson (Principal, Side Stage Ventures) – who will take the stage to debate the best and worst of AI & human creativity.
12pm to 1pm
Gamify Your Career organized by IRCC
Canada House @ SXSW Sydney is bringing together heroes and heroines of the video game industry. Hear from Canadian and Australian professionals who have worked in Canada about the past, present and future of the industry. Explore the latest trends, emerging technologies and evolving landscape of the industry, both domestic and international. Panelists will share their perspectives on various innovations and discuss how these advancements are shaping the player experience and impact professionals in the industry. Engage with the experts during the networking event and the Q&A session. This panel is a must-attend event for anyone who is passionate about gaming, looking to start or expand their career overseas or simply curious about the broader applications of gaming technology in other sectors.
Panelist
Yifat Shaik is a game developer and an Assistant Professor at York University’s Department of Computational Arts. She is known for her innovative contributions at the intersection of technology, art and design. With a keen interest in exploring the boundaries between digital and physical realms, her work often delves into themes of identity, culture, and the impact of emerging technologies on society.
Panelist
Matt Zagurak is a video game narrative director with 17 years of experience in the games industry. During his career he has worked on franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six and Prince of Persia. His main area of professional interest is how the intersection of theme, world and active gameplay can be leveraged to tell new kinds of stories only possible in interactive media. Matt is originally from Montreal Quebec, and also lived in Berlin Germany for 4 years.
Panelist
Emma Wilson is a product leader with a 15+ year track record of delivering world-class digital products and experiences, and building high-performing teams in fast-growing companies. She is currently the Director of Product Management at Algolia, a leading provider of AI search solutions, serving over 17,000 businesses and 500,000 developers globally. Emma was the Lead Technical Designer on Dragon Age: Inquisition which swept the Game of the Year awards in 2014, and prior to that, a Game Designer on LA Noire.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
Destination Indigenous Presents:
Location: Canada House @ SXSW Sydney, 100 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008
10am to 11am
Myths and Legends with Dominic Ste. Marie from Wendake Tourism
This cultural presentation delves deeply into Indigenous oral traditions, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into the ancient myths and legends of the Huron-Wendat Nation in Quebec, Canada. Guided by Dominic St-Marie, you’ll be captivated by stories of the creation of Mother Earth, the Pleiades, and other treasured tales that have shaped Huron-Wendat culture for generations. Enriched with traditional songs and immersive storytelling, this experience serves as a profound connection to the vibrant heritage of the Nation and offers a unique introduction to the captivating world of Indigenous tourism in Canada. We welcome all to join us for a truly enchanting and memorable cultural encounter.
Presenter
Dominic Ste Marie
Storyteller, interpretive guide, and proud member of the Wendat Nation, Dominic Ste-Marie is passionate about sharing his culture and heritage. Based in Wendake, he brings to life the rich myths and legends of the Wendat people, offering a unique window into their traditions, history, and worldview. Through his storytelling, Dominic guides audiences on a journey of cultural discovery, highlighting the various facets of Wendat identity and their deep connection to the land. His engaging narratives illuminate the beauty and complexity of Wendat mythology, making it accessible and inspiring for all.
11am to 12pm
Contemporization of Culture – Ethically Navigating Traditional Indigenous Storytelling in Modern Film and Media with Zane Buchanan
Embark on a captivating journey exploring the modernization of Indigenous cultures through film and modern media in this illuminating session. Witness the powerful fusion of traditional narratives with cutting-edge technology, as Indigenous communities embrace digital platforms to share their stories. Explore how digital mediums amplify cultural preservation, providing a global stage for Indigenous voices. Delve into innovative projects that seamlessly blend ancestral wisdom with contemporary storytelling techniques. Join us to celebrate the dynamic evolution of Indigenous cultures, navigating the intersection of tradition and technology in the digital age.
Presenter
Zane Buchanan
Zane, a Métis writer, producer, and digital storyteller based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has crafted a diverse and impactful career path. Starting as a freelance journalist, he quickly transitioned into travel media when he was named the 2019 Saskatchewanderer by Tourism Saskatchewan. This opportunity not only solidified his expertise within the tourism industry but also opened the door to his current role with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). There, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the creative direction of The Original Original authentication program and Destination Indigenous, ITAC’s consumer-facing platform.
In his role at ITAC, Zane manages content and brand integrity while serving as the executive editor of Nations magazine. His reach as a writer extends beyond ITAC, with regular contributions to Canadian Geographic and Explore magazines, where he focuses on ethical travel. Zane’s work has earned him the prestigious title of Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and he serves as a judge for the Travel Media Association of Canada Awards.
His leadership extends to advocacy, as seen through his close collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations. In April 2022, he attended the historic Papal Visits in Rome, aligning his work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
A sought-after speaker, Zane has appeared on panels and delivered keynote addresses at high-profile events such as South by Southwest (SXSW), the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC), and The IMPACT Conference. Following his mission in Sydney, Zane will head to Austin to deliver the closing keynote at the SEE 2024 conference. Additionally, he presents the Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year Award at the annual Juno Awards Ceremony.
Beyond his speaking and editorial roles, Zane is the founder and creative director of CIVL Creative, a digital agency that addresses the unique needs of nonprofits and social enterprises.
10am to 11am
Gift of the Gab: Round Table Discussion with Careers Advisers
Canada House @ SXSW Sydney is proud to host careers advisers for a breakfast event. Join us for a discussion about opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain international gap year and study experience in Canada. Share your insights on their motivations, barriers, and aspirations particularly in tech, innovation, film, TV, gaming, and others.
12pm to 2pm
Panel and Lunch
3pm to 5pm
Diplomatic reception – Invitation only
Modératrice
Director, Writer, Producer
Invitée
Investment Analyst, Business Affairs and Corproduction
Invitée
Regional Feature Film Executive – English Market – Quebec Region
