THIS MONTH
Submissions are now open for our Short Film Showcase
Homegrown is back by popular demand!
โNow with 30% more whimsy!
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โThe 2026 Homegrown Short Film Showcase is officially open for submissions!
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This year, our opening night will feature shorts and stories from Indigenous Storytellers from across Alberta.
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We are so excited to make space for these voices at the heart of our program.
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We're an Alberta-wide showcase built for emerging and independent filmmakers of all backgrounds. Bring us your experiments, your passion projects, your first attempts, your almost-finished-but-close-enough. Whatever story you've been sitting on, we want to see it!
Our SPARKS cohort has been chosen!
Our one-to-one mentorship program connects emerging Alberta storytellers with creative industry professionals. And the first cohort is happening right now!
Built by our incredible Program Director, Katelyn, who has spent 12 months speaking to and working directly with artists navigating exactly the kind of transition this program is designed for.
SPARKS is about building tangible skills, igniting ongoing relationships between peers and mentors, and keeping Alberta's talent rooted in Alberta!
Thanks to everyone who applied! This is the first of many mentorship opportunities!
Thanks to our amazing Mentors! More on them soon!
Thanks to our community that makes it all possible!
And a massive thank you to the Calgary Foundation, whose support made SPARKS possible.
INTRODUCING THE FIRST-EVER SPARKS MENTEES (SPARKEES!)
Rebecca Zoldan
3D Animator
Former environmental engineer turned storyteller. Bringing her own experiences, voice, and signature humour to the page and screen.
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Stephanie Totton
Writer & Performer
Former environmental engineer turned storyteller. Bringing her own experiences, voice, and signature humour to the page and screen.
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Max August
Writer & Director
Film school-trained with multiple shorts and feature screenplays under his belt. Inspired by Tarantino, PTA, and the Safdie brothers.
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WHAT'S IN STORE FOR HOMEGROWN
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Voices of Resilience
Something big is coming with Tyler McKinney
Tyler's video podcast uplifting Indigenous stories of strength, healing, and truth is heading into it's third season! Starting now, Voices of Resilience is heading in a new direction and we can't wait to share it. Stay tuned.
Listen to episode 1 โ
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Project UNITE
Alberta-wide research for independent storytellers
Project UNITE is identifying barriers and opportunities for storytellers in rural and underserved communities across Alberta. We're laying some foundation at the moment, keep tuning in!.
Learn more โ
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SPARKS mentorship
Are you the mentor someone needs right now?
We're looking for experienced creatives ready to show up for the next generation of Alberta storytellers. Flexible commitment. Fun environment. A chance to give back!
Apply to mentor โ
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Partnership opportunity
Organizations who believe in this work
We're looking for sponsors and funders who want to fuel the future! Our current partners include Stonyslope Brewing Company, the Calgary Arts Development, the Calgary Foundation, AMPIA, and ATB Financial.
Book a chat โ
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Support Our Work
Everything we do is free or affordable for emerging creatives. If this community means something to you, consider contributing.
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