"How do you champion underrepresented voices while successfully navigating a turbulent global market?"

On this episode of the DOV Elevate Podcast, host Vanessa Mitchell sits down with acclaimed producers Ann Shin and Damon D’Oliveira. From radio and acting to high-level producing, both have taken anything but a traditional path. Together, they discuss their shared commitment to championing underrepresented, culturally specific stories, while sharing candid takes on navigating a shifting industry and the power of international co-productions.

Presented By: Playbackonline.ca

Partner Organization Spotlight: bso-ben.ca

Banff World Media Festival: banffmediafestival.playbackonline.ca/2026/

Book a meeting with this episodes guests via BanffXchange (must be registered to enter)

-The DOV: Elevate Podcast Credits-

Created by: Vanessa Mitchell, Jenn Kuzmyk, and Kristina Ejem

Producers: Anthony B. Mitchell, Jenn Kuzmyk, Vanessa Mitchell and Kelly Townsend

Directed and Edited by: Anthony B. Mitchell

Script Editors: Anthony B. Mitchell, Vanessa Mitchell, Kelly Townsend and Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku

Production Assistant: Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku

Music composed by: Anthony B. Mitchell

DOV:Elevate Branding Created by: Andrew Glowala

For some storytellers, personal history isn't a weight to carry, it is the ultimate catalyst for political and cinematic change.

On the DOV Elevate Podcast, host Vanessa Mitchell speaks with filmmakers Brishkay Ahmed and Sean Devlin to discuss the intersection of politics, documentary, and scripted storytelling. Drawing from their lived experiences, the guests explore why they view their personal stories as vital creative fuel rather than emotional burdens. 

Presented By: Playbackonline.ca

Partner Organization Spotlight: iso-bea.ca

Banff World Media Festival: banffmediafestival.playbackonline.ca/2026/

Book a meeting with this episodes guests via BanffXchange (must be registered to enter)

-The DOV: Elevate Podcast Credits-

Created by: Vanessa Mitchell, Jenn Kuzmyk, and Kristina Ejem

Producers: Anthony B. Mitchell, Jenn Kuzmyk, Vanessa Mitchell and Kelly Townsend

Directed and Edited by: Anthony B. Mitchell

Script Editors: Anthony B. Mitchell, Vanessa Mitchell, Kelly Townsend and Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku

Production Assistant: Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku

Music composed by: Anthony B. Mitchell

DOV:Elevate Branding Created by: Andrew Glowala

On the DOV Elevate Podcast, host Vanessa Mitchell speaks with actor/creator Arnold Pinnock and writer Kaveh Mohebbi on Telling Canadian Stories and the immigrant experience. They discuss the tension between authentic storytelling and marketability in Canada’s risk-averse funding environment. Both emphasize finding community, being fearless, and using Banff to build relationships.

Presented By: Playbackonline.ca

Partner Organization Spotlight: dso-orphe.ca

Banff World Media Festival: banffmediafestival.playbackonline.ca/2026/

Book a meeting with this episodes guests via BanffXchange (must be registered to enter)

-The DOV: Elevate Podcast Credits-

Created by: Vanessa Mitchell, Jenn Kuzmyk, and Kristina Ejem

Producers: Anthony B. Mitchell, Jenn Kuzmyk, Vanessa Mitchell and Kelly Townsend

Directed and Edited by: Anthony B. Mitchell

Script Editors: Anthony B. Mitchell, Vanessa Mitchell, Kelly Townsend and Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku

Production Assistant: Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku

Music composed by: Anthony B. Mitchell

DOV:Elevate Branding Created by: Andrew Glowala

On the DOV Elevate Podcast, host Vanessa Mitchell speaks with filmmakers Karen Chapman and Jamie Blorque-Blyan on funding, authenticity, the need for mental-health support, learning grants/tax systems, protection of BIPOC IP ownership, and their goals for Banff to strategize partnerships, build community and pitch their projects.

Presented By: Playbackonline.ca

Partner Organization Spotlight: iso-bea.ca

Banff World Media Festival: banffmediafestival.playbackonline.ca/2026/

Book a meeting with this episodes guests via BanffXchange (must be registered to enter)

-The DOV: Elevate Podcast Credits-

Created by: Vanessa Mitchell, Jenn Kuzmyk, and Kristina Ejem

Producers: Anthony B. Mitchell, Jenn Kuzmyk, Vanessa Mitchell and Kelly Townsend

Directed and Edited by: Anthony B. Mitchell

Script Editors: Anthony B. Mitchell, Vanessa Mitchell, Kelly Townsend and Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku

Production Assistant: Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku

Music composed by: Anthony B. Mitchell

DOV:Elevate Branding Created by: Andrew Glowala

On the DOV Elevate Podcast, host Vanessa Mitchell speaks with TV writers Jessica Meyer and JP Larocque  on Breaking In, Staying In, Reimagining Murdoch Mysteries, advice for emerging creators and their goals for Banff to connect, learn, and level up.

Presented By: Playbackonline.ca

Partner Organization Spotlight: Reelworld.ca

Banff World Media Festival: Banffmediafestival.playbackonline.ca/2026/

Book a meeting with this episodes guests via BanffXchange (must be registered to enter)

-The DOV: Elevate Podcast Credits-

Created by: Vanessa Mitchell, Jenn Kuzmyk, and Kristina Ejem

Producers: Anthony B. Mitchell, Jenn Kuzmyk, Vanessa Mitchell and Kelly Townsend

Directed and Edited by: Anthony B. Mitchell

Script Editors: Anthony B. Mitchell, Vanessa Mitchell, Kelly Townsend and Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku

Production Assistant: Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku

Music composed by: Anthony B. Mitchell

DOV:Elevate Branding Created by: Andrew Glowala

Amplifying and elevating Canada's top ten diverse voices! We take a look at the journeys of this years DOV: Elevate cohort, and how their experiences are changing the future of film and TV. Presented by Playback and hosted by me Vanessa Mitchell, each episode will have 2 DOV guests sharing their thoughts and views on industry trends, their respected crafts and much more.

Listen on playbackonline.ca or your preferred podcast app. Subscribe or follow for new episode updates.

First episode releases Monday, June 8th, 2026.

-The DOV: Elevate Podcast Credits-

Created by: Vanessa Mitchell, Jenn Kuzmyk, and Kristina Ejem

Producers: Anthony B. Mitchell, Jenn Kuzmyk, Vanessa Mitchell and Kelly Townsend

Directed and Edited by: Anthony B. Mitchell

Script Editors: Anthony B. Mitchell, Vanessa Mitchell, Kelly Townsend and Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku

Production Assistant: Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku

Music composed by: Anthony B. Mitchell

DOV:Elevate Branding Created by: Andrew Glowala