PechaKucha Night Calgary

“...honestly being at the film festival changed my career. It changed my trajectory. Because before, I didn’t think that an Asian kid from Calgary could be on the big screen, could make art as a living, could be on television, and this Film Festival changed my mind. It made me believe I could do it.”

Watch Andrew Phung share a special improvised story at PechaKucha Night Calgary #46: Lens at Scotiabank Theatre Chinook - in partnership with the International Film Festival .

An actor, improviser, and emcee from Calgary, Alberta, Andrew Phung has been performing improv at Loose Moose Theatre since he was 16. A three-time Canadian Screen Award winner for Kim's Convenience, his other credits include The Beaverton, Little Italy, and Events Transpiring Before, After, and During a High School Basketball Game. Andrew is a proud father of two and husband to Tamara—and he owns over 400 pairs of sneakers!

“I tell stories to help us see, embrace, and celebrate more of who we are. I tell stories for us to feel a greater sense of home with each other and in ourselves. I tell stories to help us feel less alone and more included, and to help shift our perception just a tiny bit, so that we can transfigure our destinies.”

Watch Salima Stanley-Bhanji share her story at PechaKucha Night Calgary #46: Lens at Scotiabank Theatre Chinook - in partnership with the Calgary International Film Festival - CIFF.

A filmmaker, lawyer, and co-founder of Humainologie, Salima has produced and directed numerous short films, earning over 50 international film festival awards and selections.

Emcee: Andrew Phung

“When I lost my job during the pandemic, I was trying to figure out what the hell to do next. [My therapist] asked me what I wanted to do as a kid, and I said ‘I wanted to act,’ and she said ‘yes, do it!’ That was the first of many green lights.”

Watch Jocelyn Chugg share her story at PechaKucha Night Calgary #46: Lens at Scotiabank Theatre Chinook - in partnership with the Calgary International Film Festival - CIFF.

A Calgary-based actor, producer, writer, and model, Jocelyn began her career in late 2020. Since then, she has worked on seven feature films, 24 short films, and over 50 commercial projects.

Emcee: Andrew Phung

“In Beyond Thunderdome, Mad Max finally makes his hero’s journey. He’s driven by revenge in the first two movies, but in this scene he sacrifices his opportunity so that the children could have a chance at life. I wanted to be that guy.”

Watch Telly James share his story at PechaKucha Night Calgary #46: Lens at Scotiabank Theatre Chinook - in partnership with the Calgary International Film Festival - CIFF.

A proud member of the Siksika Nation, Telly is a multidisciplinary artist who acts, directs, and writes for both stage and screen. He also serves as the In-Arena Host for the Calgary Hitmen.

Emcee: Andrew Phung

“In life and film, we all thrive on the moments where the problem is no problem at all, and with a rosy red lens, small victories can help us realise we are capable of change.”

Watch Jeanine Williams share her story at PechaKucha Night Calgary #46: Lens at Scotiabank Theatre Chinook - in partnership with the Calgary International Mountain Film Festival.

A creative performer and therapeutic practitioner, Jeanine integrates the healing power
of authentic conversation, music, and art to explore the stories we tell ourselves.

Emcee: Andrew Phung

“...as First Nations people, as people, we each have traditions and we each have ways of being and knowing that are not only important, but are incumbent for us in creating a space to all collectively call home on Turtle Island. I believe it is so incumbent and so necessary that we look at ways in which we are different, and celebrate those.”

Watch Teddy Manywounds share their story at PechaKucha Night Calgary #46: Lens at Scotiabank Theatre Chinook - in partnership with the Calgary International Film Festival - CIFF.

A two-spirit Tsuut'ina First Nation member of Treaty 7, Teddy has been the G4 Stoney Nakoda Tsuu’tina Tribal Council's Director of Justice since 2022. Teddy hopes to foster community connection for all people of Turtle Island.

Emcee: Andrew Phung

“The most important thing we can remember, whenever we’re ‘called’ to do a task, is to remember how lucky we are to have the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

Watch Dr. Kian Madjedi share his story at PechaKucha Night Calgary #46: Lens at Scotiabank Theatre Chinook - in partnership with the Calgary International Film Festival - CIFF.

In his final year of ophthalmology training, Dr. Madjedi is completing his studies after 15 years of university education.

Emcee: Andrew Phung

“A large part of my work is creating relationships and building trust. Lasting relationships take a lot of work and tolerance. You have to accept that the other person is not perfect, neither is their situation, but neither am I.”

Watch Luke Azevedo share his story at PechaKucha Night Calgary #46: Lens at Scotiabank Theatre Chinook - in partnership with the Calgary International Film Festival - CIFF.

Vice President of Creative Industries, Operations, and Film Commissioner for Calgary Economic Development, Luke has been facilitating local projects and attracting foreign productions in film, television, and digital media in Southern Alberta since 2007.

Emcee: Andrew Phung

“The very first thing that I love the Napi collective for: it’s first and foremost a community, connected to the community. We make films for Blackfoot, by Blackfoot. And, really, being Blackfoot is a core to who we are.”

Watch Doug Winnipeg share his story at PechaKucha Night Calgary #46: Lens at Scotiabank Theatre Chinook - in partnership with the Calgary International Film Festival - CIFF.

Doug is Blackfoot from Siksika Nation. With 16 years of communication
experience, he is now pursuing a degree in engineering at the University of Calgary.

Emcee: Andrew Phung