AXT Foundation Initiative

The AXT Foundation Initiative (AXTFI) is built on three pillars:

PoGMI - People of the Global Majority and Intersectionality
S3 - Safe, Sustainable and Supportive Spaces
ANI - Authentic Narrative Imagery

These three pillars were represented in each project presented at AXT Exchange, and three projects exemplified them in unique ways.

Congratulations to:

Yasmin Ali - THE JONCROW DUPPY (PoGMI) Feature

Lexie Galante - INVISIBLE (S3) Series

Emilia Michalowska - SOUP FOR SUPPER (ANI) Series

They’ll receive a prize pack (value of $900+) catered to their projects including consultations from:

Broken Whole Media Broken Whole Media Group

Reel 360 Consultants Reel 360 Film Consultants

CarMau Media Services

Playfight VFX PLAYFIGHT | VFX STUDIO

True2Soul True II Soul - You Belong Here

Canfro Productions Anthony Farrell

KeMor Centre of Innovative Development Ke Mor

Thanks again to our generous sponsors!

The 2026 AXT Exchange Cohort stepped up and represented their stories for the Inaugural Roots to Reels Challenge.

They pitched projects that reflected their distinct visions and voices to our esteemed judges, who had the difficult task of selecting the project most ready for production.

We want to congratulate Nana Boateng for being selected as the recipient of the Grand Prize Package (value of $6000+), which includes consultations with:

Hollywood Suite Hollywood Suite
Reel 360 Film Consultants Reel 360 Film Consultants
Play Fight VFX PLAYFIGHT | VFX STUDIO
Canfro Productions Anthony Farrell
iV Productions Vanessa Shah
Broken Whole Media Broken Whole Media Group
True2Soul True II Soul - You Belong Here
Set Mamas Set Mamas
CarMau Media
1 hr Meditation of choice from KeMor Centre of Innovative Development Ke Mor
One year Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) Membership Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT)

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous contributions to the Roots to Reels Prize Package. With their help, Nana has a pathway into the industry and a seat at the table.

Today our moderators led discussions about the film industry in such a wonderful way. From finance to wellness, production, distro and concept development-they covered it all! Our creatives and industry guests had meaningful conversations about filmmaking and beyond!

Thank you to:

Ashli Agate
datgirlbee

Hye’s Musings
Courtney Small
Anya Vagabova connekt_film

The Pitch Workshop is an intensive flagship program built to prepare our Cohort for the real film world. Pitching and positioning their authentic stories, finding their voice, and learning what execs look for in a pitch - all that and more over a two-day online workshop.

Thank you to our amazing pitch coaches, Adrian Bobb and Adrian G de la Peña for their candidates advice, encouragement and experience. You're truly part of the family!

But wait, there's more!

On Saturday, June 13, select members of the cohort will pitch in the Roots to Reels Pitch Challenge.

Our esteemed judges will decide which project is the most ready to take to the film industry at large. Stay tuned for more on the pitch challenge...

Thank you to:
Anthony Farrell
Floyd Kane
Merm
Kat Katatonic
Anelle D.
Adrian Bobb
Louie La Vella
Joanne Sarazen
datgirlbee
Malachi Ellis
Vanessa Shah
GC Casting

It's been a year since the 2025 Inaugural , and we're proud of the first Cohort who came through with incredible projects and purpose. From their pitches to their networking, it was creatives in action, making connections, friends and taking the first steps to change in the industry. We are forever grateful for their artistry and dedication to their craft.

This year, we're pleased to announce our 2026 Cohort, who come in with the same energy and passion. Their projects are powerful and speak in their unique voices. We can't wait for you to meet them!

2025 Cohort 🎉
Trey Anderson
kassy gascho
Lola
chifundo
Kadhja Bonet
Brandon Rowe
FATTY___esque

2026 Cohort🎆
Edmond Clark
YAZZA ART
nana.
Emilia Michalowska
Krishna Kolanupaka
Fine Cut Films
Hilson Rose
Andrew Kalu
Sydnie Baynes Art
Esther Caszo 4:14 Films
Lexie Galante

Galanteioninitiative #

Celebrate Canadian film with AXT: Behind the Screen and on National Canadian Film Day as we enjoy the free online screening of the SXSW hit BOXCUTTER, starring Ashton James, Zoe Lewis, and Viphusan Vani.

WHERE: Online!
WHEN: Wednesday, April 15, 7 PM EST.

Link in bio to register!

🚨BONUS CONTEST ALERT!🚨
We have two pairs of tickets to give away!
On Friday, April 17, the sold-out theatrical release of the award-winning A TRIBE CALLED LOVE will take place at Cineplex Queensway & VIP. You must attend the BOXCUTTER post-screening Zoom event to enter the giveaway.

Full details available on our registration form.










*This contest is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Instagram, Facebook or Meta.

We're pleased to announce our next AXT: Behind the Screen event!

On Saturday, March 28th, we're celebrating Women's History Month with a beautiful, "coming-of-adulthood" love story, THIS PLACE, co-written and directed by V.T. Nayani, a recent alumni of the Canadian Film Centre’s Directors' Lab (‘21).

THIS PLACE is Nayani's feature-length directorial debut, and celebrated its World Premiere at TIFF in 2022.

The AXT Foundation Initiative's invite-only community screening will be followed by an interactive Q&A with V.T., and an Authentic Narratives micro-workshop.

About the film:
The emerging love between two young women is complicated by their families’ histories, which bear the legacies of loss, migration and displacement.

From the Team:
"We are proud to share that almost every department head and key position, including our entire cast and all of our executive producers, identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of colour, the majority of whom are women-identified and many of whom are q***r."

Cast:
Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs
Priya Guns

Writers:
Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs
V.T. Nayani
Golshan Abdmoulaie

Executive Producers:
Stephanie Sonny Ho**er
V.T. Nayani