This post is sponsored by TELUS STORYHIVE.
All content creators know how difficult launching a creative career can be: Not having support for projects and working in isolation are just two of the common struggles storytellers face. For Pan-Asian creatives telling their local stories, it can be particularly challenging to find avenues and resources that uplift their community.
That’s where TELUS STORYHIVE comes in. With their first-ever Pan-Asian Storyteller Edition, storytellers of Pan-Asian descent across B.C and Alberta can receive $20,000 in production funding, training and professional mentorship (provided from the National Screen Institute) to produce a narrative short or documentary. The final film will also be distributed to over 1 million viewers on TELUS Optik TV, Stream+ and over 162,000 subscribers on STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel.
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.
Maddy Chang, a Vancouver-based Chinese Canadian filmmaker was selected for a STORYHIVE program fresh out of film school in 2021. For Chang, STORYHIVE gave her the opportunity to work on her first project post-graduation, In a New Light, received much-needed funding, mentorship with professionals, connection to a network of like-minded creators, and a great training ground to develop her craft.
STORYHIVE helped Chang become familiar with the film pipeline, which has been immeasurably helpful as she builds her career. “It’s a really special organization that allows people to make their first film, and I thought it was amazing that we were able to seamlessly deliver a short doc with so much support,” says Chang. “STORYHIVE is the perfect launch pad, where you can make mistakes and be creative but still have all the resources to be able to make the film you want to.”
As a filmmaker of Chinese descent, Chang says that she is extremely excited for the Pan-Asian Edition from STORYHIVE. Chang says that the Pan-Asian filmmaker community in Vancouver is small but tight-knit. This Edition will help creators in B.C. and Alberta work together, work with mentors and other professionals and make a film that speaks to their unique perspective.
“It’s so amazing that STORYHIVE is sharing hyperlocal stories from local filmmakers,” Chang says.
“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.”
New and emerging filmmakers based in B.C and Alberta of Pan-Asian heritage—anyone whose ancestral and cultural heritage comes from anywhere in the continent of Asia—can apply for the program. STORYHIVE is also looking for stories from small and large communities alike, so you don’t need to be based in a big city to apply. The best part: no prior filmmaking experience is necessary.
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.
Your Story, Your Narrative, Honouring Pan-Asian Heritage. Applications for the TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Storyteller Edition will open April 1, 2025 and will close May 8, 2025. Please refer to this program’s Submission Rules and FAQ and apply at STORYHIVE.com.
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