I'm Here With

As soon as we heard Sandi was working on her passion project with Scott Lepp, we had to call her and share her good news with you all.

Independent award-winning filmmaker Sandi Somers is a native of Cape Breton Island who for over two decades has been residing in Alberta. She has worked in Canada and Europe for the past 25 years as a filmmaker, theatre artist, and educator. Sandi's work often revolves around challenges within human nature, discovery of truth, while addressing themes of connection.

Sandi's work has been featured across North America and in festivals worldwide such as The Lesbian International Film Festival in Paris, Los Angeles New Waves, The Melbourne International Film Festival, the St. John's Women's Festival, and The Calgary and Edmonton International Film Festivals. With over 70 films behind her and 40 nominations for her films, Sandi continues to create thought-provoking works in various genres. She creates dance films, music videos, dramas, comedies, video installations and has directed a documentary syndicated TV series. Upcoming projects include directing MUD, a CBC Digital Original series with Seven24 Films and designing the projection and video content for the live theatre production, Making Treaty 7.

Ice Blue (103 mins) with a release date this fall, is her first feature as director/co-producer. This psychological drama delves into themes of secrets and lies when a young 16-year old girl, living on an isolated farm with her father, asks to be reunited with her mother who mysteriously left ten years ago. Ice Blue opened to a sold out house at the Calgary International Film Festival and screened at the LA Femme Film Festival. There she won top honours with Best Feature Director, Ice Blue. Home (25 minutes, writer/director/producer) is a drama about a woman returning home to take care of her ailing and harshly strict parents in the 1950s. The Artistic Taxidermist (5 minutes) is a comedy about a taxidermist who, after discovering the Mona Lisa and fine art, becomes the DaVinci of the taxidermy world.

Sandi is the recent recipient of Alberta's prestigious Legacy Award from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts co-directing the auteur documentary on the pioneers of theatre in Calgary. She is a recipient of Alberta Media Arts Alliance's Spirit of Helen Award for her contributions to Alberta's media arts community and was invited to The Cannes Film Festival's Shorts Corner Program. Sandi is the creator of the revitalized initiative Herland, a workshop and mentorship program for women in film. She was also a finalist for Best Filmmaker in Calgary 2016 and recently received the Dave Kelly Live Force of Nature Award, and has served as current or past board member for the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers, Emmedia and Fairy Tales Presentation Society where she facilitates the Creative Workshop for the Queer Youth Media Project.

Projects

- Gladiatrix: Crescent Moon (TV Mini-Series) (1 episode) (pre-production)

- The Arena (2021)

2019Realization (TV Series) (2 episodes)

- Lonely People (2019)

- Gaps (2019)

- 2019Hudson (TV Series) (3 episodes)

- Cash Grab (2019)

- Lady Killers (2019)

- Game On (2019)

- 2018/IAll the World's a Stage (Documentary short)

- 2017Ice Blue

Photo by Katherine Calnan

WE CHATTED WITH SCOTT LEPP, THE FAMOUS CALGARY PRODUCER ABOUT HIS NEW POSITION WITH THE OKOTOKS FILM FESTIVAL AND THE SUCCESS OF HUDSON. HUDSON IS BEING PICKED UP BY AN AMERICAN CHANNEL!

We have been following Mr. Lepp since before our last interview with him about Tribal, Realiztion, Ice Blue and the Heartland.

Scott Lepp worked on Heartland for 11 years and is now the Executive Producer for Hudson on CBC, He is so charming and talented! You can really see his work in Hudson from how strong and how well it flows. As well how much the cast and producers love him on social media. @mslepp.

Scott is working on his next project with Director Sandie Somers (Ice Blue movie Award Winner).

The new CBC series Hudson is based in the world of CBC’s long-running drama Heartland, with new characters alongside familiar faces and locations.

Follow Hudson on CBC

STARRING @madison.cheeatow @_biancaroca@samsogram93 @owencrowshoe@grahamwardle@amber_marshall_farm @alijnewton@allisonlynchmusic@michellemorgan_

CBC Gem

#welcometohudson #cbc #hudsononcbc #scottlepp

Photo by Derek Heisler

WE ENCOURAGE ANYONE TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN VIRTUALLY!

The Okotoks Film Festival

This year we will be live streaming our Festival from June 11-14, instead of hosting it at the Okotoks Cinemas as usual. A pass gets you access to our entire four day program.

About the Okotoks Film Society

Originally established in March 2016 as the Okotoks Film Festival Society, the Okotoks Film Society changed their name in July 2018 to better represent the increasing scope of their goals and community involvement.

The Society is a group of board directors with the goal of making Okotoks and the surrounding area a viable and attractive place for film creation. They work to educate and connect local filmmakers while providing opportunity for filmmakers and the public alike to take an active part in film culture.

The Okotoks Film Society is also the home of the Okotoks Film Festival and partners with the Okotoks Cinemas to create meaningful film experiences.

Pushing for innovation in both filmmaking and in film watching the Okotoks Film Society is here to answer questions and provide programing to encourage professional development.

About the Okotoks Film Festival

The Festival is a three-day annual international film festival offering programming for all ages including a variety of film screenings, workshops, and galas. This international professional festival is a joy for audience and filmmakers alike. During the Festival we also include networking opportunities for filmmakers and a 48-hour filmmaking competition, an audience favorite.

Filmmaker testimonials

"The team at Okotoks are so welcoming, kind, and hard working - a group of super stars for sure! They put together some valuable panel talks, and provided filmmakers with multiple networking opportunities. The Q&A's after the screenings allowed filmmakers to connect with audiences, and Katie asked some really insightful questions. I will definitely submit to this festival again, and look forward to returning one day!"

– Julia Beney, 2019 – A Girl, A Boy, A Penny and a Very, Very, Very Long Road

"We were honoured to have "Never Been to War" chosen as an Official Selection for the Okotoks Film Festival. Communication is excellent with this festival, and Katie and her team work tirelessly at ensuring filmmakers feel valued, and we had a great time. This is an excellent and growing festival, and I wouldn't hesitate to apply again in the future."

– Cora Selinger, 2018 – Never Been to War

"We have had the privilege of having our animated short films, Raven Steals the Light and Raven Meets the Little Makers, screened over the last two years at Kinder Reels. It's so much fun to attend in person and talk about our work, and then meet the other filmmakers. Katie and her team are awesome!"

– Sharlene Millang, 2018 - Raven Steals the Light

"What a great festival! Very filmmaker focused, with lots of opportunities to network with other filmmakers (filmmaker brunch, podcast panel, Q&A, closing party, etc). The fest was incredibly well organized (which you can't say about a lot of others out there). Communication was great with Katie and her team. They were on the ball every step of the way and never left us in the dark, or an email unanswered. And they do cash prizes! That's not something you see at a lot of festivals these days, but it can really go a long way to helping out up-and-coming filmmakers. Seriously awesome little festival. We had a great time and we hope to be back again someday!"

- Aaron Kurmey, 2018 - Thousand Yard Stare

Lovely, lovely festival filled with international directors and a quality selection from all over the world. The staff was kind and curteous and the atmosphere was professional and fun.

– Giulio Manicardi, 2017 – Like

"Although I could not attend, it was an honor to be selected and to take part of this year's lineup. They were very helpful and easy to communicate with. Thumbs up to all involved!"

- Adam Losurdo, 2017

Thanks to all our sponsors, donors, and the Community Initiatives Program Grant from the Government of Alberta that fund our Festival and keep us running!

Festival Director: Katie Fournell

Katie is our bouncy, fun-loving face of the festival. Katie is a filmmaker herself with a few films under her belt, such as “I Got You a Balloon” and “Be the Hero”. An avid film lover, she was really into the festival scene in Edmonton. When she moved to Okotoks and realized we didn't already have a festival in place she knew she was going to have to do something about that.

Questions about what the festival is? Want to Sponsor or Donate? Have a film you want to know how to submit? E-mail Katie:

Board of Directors

President – Elisa Shigehiro

Vice-President – Brendan Rose

Secretary – Ashley White

Treasurer – Brian Fea

Director – Ian Rose

Director – James Lozinsky

Director – Scott Lepp

Lead Volunteers

Front of House Manager - Patrick Brown

Application Manager - Sue Moore

Programmers

Katie Fournell

Ashley White

Tony Igeb

Festival Passes

Festival Pass: $30

Opening Night Special: $40; gets you a Festival Pass, as well as popcorn delivered to your door courtesy of Okotoks Cinemas! Delivery available for Okotoks residents only.

Are you looking to include our festival beer, the OFFTop, from Hubtown Brewing in your package? Head over to their Website to get the HubTown Opening night package, it includes your pass, popcorn, swag, and OFFTop!!

You might say that Marie Y. Lemelle is a PR Warrior. She is the founder and CEO of Platinum Star Public Relations, Inc., a woman-owned, minority business enterprise, located in Glendale, California. For more than 20 years, Marie has fearlessly worked in the trenches representing a gamut of clients in the entertainment and sports industries, small businesses, lifestyle brands, and non-profit and for-profit corporations.

Marie Y. Lemelle’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Platinum Star Public Relations, an award-winning, global marketing and communications firm. Services include strategic planning, research, creative development, media planning and buying, community organizing, casting/talent relations, red carpet logistics/VIP publicity, grassroots outreach, event production and management, and media relations.

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Platinum Star PR, a certified Small Business Enterprise and Woman-owned Business Enterprise, was established to assist under-served businesses and women business owners to achieve their goals through positive and consistent exposure. Ever evolving, her clients have covered the gamut from boxing to fashion, the entertainment, film, live theater, and music industry and from health and wellness, corporations and to nonprofit organizations that provide services to military veterans and other vulnerable populations. As an entertainment publicist, Marie has increased the star ranking of several actors, producers, directors, writers, musicians, stylist and fashion icons at red carpet events, special events, and beyond. She utilizes her passion and savvy for public relations, community outreach and branding/marketing to assist nonprofits.

Marie has diversified and expanded her company to manage some of the best in the entertainment industry from award-winning directors, writers, actors to singers, songwriters, and musicians. She has taken her company globally through her collaboration with the African Country Sierra Leone and to the next level as a one-stop shop to provide distribution, production and more. Marie is a certified TV/Film producer at Pasadena Media and Foremost Entertainment. She produced the feature film, "Flint Tale," about a family affected by the Flint Water Crisis.

Her entertainment clients include, but not limited to, Century Studios, a recording studio in Jacksonville, Florida; Foremost Entertainment, a film production company founded by Marc Cayce; and Eyedeal Image founded by Giselle Mendoza. Marie is a former member of Women in Film and the Association of Talent Agents.

For her unwavering commitment to empowering and mentoring women, young girls, and the community at large, she has received numerous honors and certificates from elected officials and national organizations such as the National Association of Female Executives Women of Excellence Award for Community Service and the Community Advocate of the Year. Marie was nominated by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal for the 2014, 2019 and 2020 and the Los Angeles Business Journal 2016, 2017 and 2018 Women in Business Award. For nearly 4 years, she wrote a weekly column, "Health Matters" in the Los Angeles Wave Newspaper. Since COVID-19, she is writes a weekly column, "Rx Report" for the Los Angeles Wave Newspaper.

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Her community outreach is evidenced by years of civic service as a former commissioner for the City of Glendale’s Commission on the Status of Women and formerly as an appointed State Board Member by then-Speaker Emeritus Karen Bass to the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

Ms. Lemelle earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of La Verne. Her Bachelor of Science degree was obtained from Excelsior College. Marie also received a Professional Certificate in Journalism and Public Relations at UCLA. She is a 2008 graduate of the Los Angeles African American Women Public Policy Institute's Public Policy/Leadership Program offered at USC. In 2020, she earned a certificate in Cultural Diversity and Inclusion from the City of West Hollywood.

She is currently working on two books, "I am Not My Illness: Personal Stories of Inspiration and Hope," and "Lights, Camera, Action Plan! How to Survive and Succeed in Hollywood."

How to connect with Marie:

Email: [email protected]

Social media

Instagram: @platinumstarpr

https://www.platinumstarpr.com/

Photo of Marie with Sidney Poitier

The news hit the world that the horror, Z movie was picked up by Shudder USA! We had to find out more about Luke's role as the character Z who really scared us!

https://www.instagram.com/lmcinematics/

Luke Moore: A hardworking freelance videographer, specializing in cinematography, props and set design. No matter what, we can make it work.

Luke Moore is a set decorator and actor, known for Super Drycleaners (2017), Karma (2016), Sex, Lies & Murder (TV Series), The Shocking Truth (TV Series documentary) (6 episodes) and Z (2019).

Z, a family find themselves terrorized by their eight-year-old son's imaginary friend.

Director: Brandon Christensen

Writers: Brandon Christensen, Colin Minihan

Stars: Keegan Connor Tracy, Jett Klyne, Sean Rogerson and Luke Moore

NEWFOUNDLAND-CALGARY-ALL OVER CANADA, TRENT MCCLELLAN TALKS ABOUT KEEPING GROUNDED AFTER YOU DO MAKE IN YOUR CAREER! HE WAS A BLAST TO TALK TO AND MUCH LAUGHS WERE HAD.

Trent McClellan is a comedian who has been performing stand-up across Canada for over 14 years. Some of his most notable appearances include sets at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, St. John’s Exit Realty Comedy Fest, the Moncton HubCap Comedy Fest, the Edmonton Comedy Festival, and the YYC Calgary Comedy Festival. Trent has also appeared on CBC’s The Debaters, defended “February” by Lisa Moore on CBC Canada Reads, and has opened for acts such as Bob Saget and Gerry Dee. In 2016, Trent was a guest writer and performer on This Hour Has 22 Minutes and officially joined the show for its 25th season in 2017/2018.

He has toured extensively across Canada, both as a headlining performer and as an opening act for Gerry Dee, and has performed at the Just for Laughs Festival, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, the Halifax Comedy Festival and other comedy festivals. He performed a half-hour special for The Comedy Network's Comedy Now! series in 2008, and has appeared on CBC Radio's series The Debaters.

He defended Lisa Moore's novel February in the 2013 edition of Canada Reads. The novel won the competition.

Originally aired on The Generators Podcast

Anyone who works or makes a difference is actually creating. They create a product or a feeling in others that is tangible. Each week comedian Trent McClellan talks with those who generate any kind of creative work in an attempt to explore what motivates them. You’ll get an inside peek at the thought and creative process of some of the most talented folks around. You’ll laugh and learn insight into the minds of makers. These conversations are raw and genuine as all great ones should be. Enjoy The Generators!

We were a part of the taping of a pilot for Trent (because he’s a big deal te he) excited to see where it goes for him with Jake Hirsh Entertainment.

https://trentscomedy.com/

Originally from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Trent McClellan is a stand-up comedian, writer, podcaster and actor known for his approachable, candid and effortless observational comedy.

Booking Inquiries

Trent McClellan's schedule is managed by the Jake Hirsch Entertainment Group. For booking inquiries please email [email protected].

Quinn Teechma star of February's Dog Shares Her Mental Health Experience with Patrick of I'm Here With Mag

Quinn shares about her experience with mental health, the growth of the @februarysdog mental health platform that she’s building with creator @pauljchinook

Stay tuned on February's Dog FB for her Let's Talk Mental Health show, Wednesdays at 5 MDT.

februarysdogmovie.com

https://www.facebook.com/februarysdog/

#canadianmentalhealthassociation #canadianmentalhealth #quinnteechma #imherewithmag #februarysdog

Interview by Patrick Saulnier

February’s Dog BREAKING THE STIGMA OF MENTAL ILLNESS IN ALBERTA

PAUL J. CHINOOK IS BREAKING THE STIGMA OF MENTAL HEALTH AND BRINGING AWARENESS FOR ALBERTA OIL FIELD WORKERS AND PEOPLE IN CANADA

What did you like most about playing Dale Walters in February’s Dog?

Dale is an extremely like able character. He’s very charismatic, charming, and easy going. There are layers to his character that the audience get exposed too as the story plays through. At first glance, it appears as though he doesn’t have a care in the world. That he’s just kind of like a big friendly dog eager to make everyone happy like he’s fed off smiles and laughter. We catch glimpses of the depth of thought he is capable of at the rare moment when he lets his guard down.

“Hopefully what we can do is draw attention to mental health issues and draw attention to the resources and get people talking about these issues.” - Chinook

February's Dog takes place in Alberta in modern time and is set against the beautiful and iconic back drop of the Canadian Rocky Mountains under a shroud of winter snow. It follows two uniquely different, yet typical men – Dale Walters (played by Paul J. Chinook) is a very charismatic and lighthearted man that works hard to enjoy a life of adventure and excitement. His work partner, Nigel Loggins, (played by Kevin Davey) is a military veteran who is quiet and calculated in his approach towards life. The film opens with these two men as they are finishing up work on a Friday. They get called into the office at the end of the day and are laid off by their boss Arthur Newbury, (played by Doug Wilson) a very clean cut, to the point, middle aged manager. Arthur is a friend and suggests that this is just temporary, and that they will be back at work in three months – just as soon as market oil prices recover. Dale and Nigel interpret this “break” quite differently and act accordingly. Ultimately though, both men find themselves in a merciless battle against desperation and depression. How will they get out? Or will they? The story is a hard one but one that needs to be told as it is far too common silent battle in today’s society.

The film stars Paul J. Chinook, Quinn Teechma, Kevin Davey, Will Webster, Sarah Wheeldon, Dan McDougall, Doug Wilson, Felipe Paredes and more.

Chinook has been in the Calgary television and film industry as an actor and writer since 2013 and wanted to take that next step.

“It’s really challenging as a Calgary or an Alberta actor to land those auditions, because nine out of 10 the production already has a Vancouver or a LA actor established for that role before you even go in there.” I started writing this story to keep busy and what a topic it was to write about. So many people have gone through this, losing their job in the oil field.”

“It’s got a very strong mental health aspect to it. We watch two of the characters go through some extremely challenging situations and sadly are far too real in Alberta right now with losing work and struggling and bills piling up.”

He has written five screenplay ideas and this is the first one that went into the production.

“It’s kind of all been surreal,” shares Chinook. - Regina Leader Post

Starring and created by Paul J. Chinook as (Dale Walters Writer/Producer), also starring Kevin Davey as Nigel Loggins, Quinn Teechma as Emily Walters, Doug Wilson as Arthur Newbury, William Webster as Jedd Wilson, Sarah Wheeldon as Kate Carter, Jill Maria as the Store Clerk, Sheridan Peirens as Tamara, Dan McDougall as Pastor Frank, Felipe Paredes as Jimmy Walters, Scott Dumas as Fertility Doctor, Stephanie Wilson as Marv’s Diner Waitress and Marianne Hutchings as Nurse Jean.

Production: Jose Luis Gonzalez Cinematographer, Directed by Candace Gonzalez and LnC STYLE as the 1st AD. Paul De Toit Schreve Sound Technician, Camera Operator Derek Wilder and Mardell Chinook Executive Producer. Editor Geordy Day.

INTERVIEW BY HOST QUINN TEECHMA

https://www.facebook.com/februarysdog/

WATCH THE FACEBOOK INTERVIEW ON FEBRUARY'S DOG SOCIAL MEDIA

Brad Krauza, Publisher & Promoter GonzoOkanagan.com talks about how he's dealing with life during COVID-19 in Kelowna.

Brad is also the Producer of Gonzo Okanagan Music Industry Golf Tournament & Festival Musician.

GONZO OKANAGAN

GO! Music, Film, Arts & Entertainment, Technology, Travel, Sports, Culture… LIFE!

We are devoted to supporting the local arts & entertainment scene in the Thompson/Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada. Written subjectively, with an up-close and personal flare, we strive to promote the best that Canada has to offer by putting our local artists, musicians, actors, comedians, writers, and cultural advocates first. We are also dedicated to the support and perpetuation of music education, film organizations, literature, and to supporting non-profits, businesses and venues. At Gonzo Okanagan, we believe that the world can be transformed through the arts, whether through music, on a canvass, or through the written word, the arts has a power to bring people and communities closer together, creating happiness, love, healing and even peace. We are inspired to make a difference. Keep the arts alive and GO a little Gonzo!

This upcoming special edition magazine will include a feature on the Gonzo Okanagan Golf Tournament and Festival, interviews with Canadian musicians, and an important piece on local musicians, venues, and promoters and how they contribute to the community. Our special edition features a tribute to Canadian icon Gord Downie, a true example of how music can change lives. This issue will also contain articles on wineries and restaurants in the Okanagan, updates about local sports teams, and local news as well as many other great stories from our amazing writers and special guest contributors.

Gonzo Okanagan is not only one of the best Online Arts & Entertainment sources in the Thompson/Okanagan, but also offers very competitively priced Web Design & Hosting Plans and Marketing & Search Engine Optimization Packages with a direct and personal appeal designed to help your business grow!

We did a fun chat on instagram live with Britt in Vancity, to talk all about social media and how she got to be a famous social media influencer!

Britt is a Social Media Expert who specializes in content creation, brand development and digital marketing. She provides a full service marketing agency handling all aspects of planning to implementation. Working with brands from all over the world, she is an entrepreneur who helps business owners monetize their online marketing efforts. Britt has become a micro influencer on Instagram, using the platform to build a huge audience and promote her work in an amazing way. Now she has fans from all over the world following her. She leverages the power of Instagram Stories speaking and connecting with people through her thought provoking captions. Britt is truly passionate about making brands grow online by improving their social media presence in an inspiring way. Over the years, she has also worked with media and entertainment brands to create compelling content and to help them connect with their audience through engaging social content.

Follow her and get inspired by what she has to say.

Britt is an influencer who uses her lifestyle curating brand to specialize in brand ambassador activations, sponsorships, social media and public relations. Her social media content consists of creating and experiencing some of the best events all over North America. She is compared to Shabar Ewing as the “go-to” for Vancouver. Her followers come to her for authenticity, vulnerability and thought-provoking content.

I’ve officially partnered up with @birchandfogcanada on a 30 day journey to learn and educate myself about cannabis. My goal is to educate you all how cannabis can help you, fit into your lifestyle and how it can possibly help me. Anyone who knows me knows that I never had any interest in the topic but with legalization commencing on October 17th, I thought why not see what cannabis is really about?! Stay tuned for my journey and please tell me, do you use cannabis? If you do, how does it fit into your lifestyle? Use my promo code binvancity for a discount.

Britt supports two charities on the regular! We asked her how and why she supports...

@bigsistersbclm - Big sisters was because I found myself homeless at a young age and I would have benefited from having a mentor. So I joined to give back in that regard which is more one on one my little is trans as well!

One of the only trans matches!

@covenanthousebc - With Covenant House kinda same thing with being homeless I wanted to be able to help the teens and also mentor with the trans homeless youth there as well.

https://www.instagram.com/brittinvancity/