DISCOVER CANADA’S PROGRAMMING AT SXSW SYDNEY 2024!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15
4pm to 6pm
Anything but a Suit, presented by the High Commission of Canada in Australia
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
10am to 11am
Welcome to Sydney Breakfast on Rooftop
11am to 12pm
Funding for Emerging Artists, organized by Unified Music Group
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.
12pm 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 11am
Canada – Australia Coproduction Case Study
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.
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 at 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 at 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/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 in Music organized by SideStage
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. Australian companies successfully operating in Canada.
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.
11am to 12pm
Contemporization of Culture – Ethically Navigating Traditional Indigenous Storytelling in Modern Film and Media with Zane Buchanan
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.
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.
11am 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 panelists 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. Don’t miss!
Panelist
Julie Blondin
National Director of Business Affairs & Coproductions
Telefilm Canada
Panelist
Karen Radzyner
Executive Producer and Head of Development
Photoplay
Panelist
Dr. Elaine Laforteza
Equity & Diversity Project Officer
UTS Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion
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
