“Through the Indigenous Futures Film Academy, we offer educational opportunities for Indigenous filmmakers in hopes of creating more spaces for our stories to be told by us, for us.
Being a neurodivergent creative, I’ve learned to navigate barriers, physical, systemic, and cultural that many can’t see. That perspective fuels my work. It reminds me that creating opportunity isn’t just about producing films; it’s about opening doors for voices that have been silenced too long.
Reconciliation isn’t only the work of governments or institutions, but it’s something each of us has a role in. The TRC calls for Indigenous voices in media to be supported, but those words mean nothing without action. Supporting Indigenous creatives, showing up for our films, and investing in our stories is how reconciliation moves from promise to practice. If you believe in reconciliation, then believe in us and help make space for our stories to thrive.”
This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we spotlight the work of indigenous and neurodivergent creative Curtis Pilon-Vinish. Curtis is the founder and CEO of the Indigenous Futures Film Academy (IFFA), a non-profit dedicated to creating pathways in film education and training for Indigenous artists. He is currently producing Native Tongue, a docuseries exploring the revitalization of Indigenous languages and their role in shaping identity, culture, and community.
We had the pleasure of welcoming Curtis as one of our delegates to TIFF 2025. To learn more about his work, visit indigenousfuturesfilmacademy.com.
DSO Spotlight is our way of celebrating the contributions of disabled creatives across the screen industry and making space for their work to be seen and valued. Share this article to help us amplify Curtis' work!
