The VPA is very excited to host this latest virtual panel on advocating for better representation in the film industry. We will discuss the challenges that exist, but also the opportunities that are available, to embrace diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

We will be exploring valuable input from panelists of major organizations that have been pushing for advocacy in their respective professional fields for many years. There will be a Q&A session at the end for anyone interested in sharing their experience and contributing to the panel. 

Everyone is welcome to this special Zoom event!

*** PLEASE NOTE: The event time is in PST (Pacific Standard Time) ***

 We look forward to seeing you there!

The VPA Diversity & Inclusion Committee

CINDY AU YEUNG – Moderator
(1st Assistant Editor / Picture Editor)

Cindy Au Yeung is a Chinese-Canadian editor and filmmaker based in Vancouver, BC. She has worked in post production for the past 7 years and has been a 1st Assistant Editor on various documentaries such as I AM JOHNNY CASH and scripted television series such as DATE MY DAD, HIT THE ROAD, LOUDERMILK S3, and DAY OF THE DEAD.

Most recently, she has edited an APTN Lumi webseries SHADOW OF THE ROUGAROU, produced and edited a stand-up comedy series COMEDY INVASION, and is currently editing her first feature-length film, JONAH. On the side, Cindy also makes her own documentaries involved with #Elimin8hate, an organization dedicated to eliminating anti-Asian racism through the power of film, arts, and media. Nevertheless, documentaries will always remain as Cindy’s first love into filmmaking!

Outside of work, Cindy is serving as a volunteer member on the Diversity & Inclusion committee with the Vancouver Post Alliance.

KADON DOUGLAS – Panelist
(Executive Director of BIPOC TV & Film)

With a reverence for artists and griots coupled with a deep commitment to equity and decolonization, Kadon Douglas finds her joy in supporting creative talent in building thriving careers. As the executive director of Toronto-based nonprofit, BIPOC TV & FILM, she spends her days advocating for systems change in the screen media industry, addressing barriers to career entry and advancement for racialized and Indigenous creatives, and disrupting colonial and discriminatory practices in the nonprofit sector and creative industries.

Prior to BIPOC TV & FILM, Kadon led marketing and communication strategies at The Creative School at Ryerson University and Women in Film & Television-Toronto. With a background in documentary filmmaking, she is a two-time fellow of the Hot Docs Film Festival: Doc Accelerator (2013) and Shaw Media Diverse Voices (2015); a graduate of the Humber College Media Business Essentials certificate program (2015) and The Chang School at Ryerson University and Corus Entertainment Media Management Accelerator (2017); and is a 2019 Ontario Nonprofit Network RBC Leading the Future fellow. The former chair of the Reelworld Film Festival now sits on the boards of the Canadian Independent Screen Fund for Black and POC creators (CISF) and the Future of Film Showcase. Kadon lives in Toronto with her son, a pensive and pragmatic tween, and a cat named Philip.

ELI MORRIS – Panelist
(Executive Director of WIFTV)

Eli Morris was raised on Gadigal and Bidjigal territory (Sydney, Australia). They are a settler with Irish and English ancestry. Eli immigrated to Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territories in 2016 to pursue a career in film. They have worked as a producer for independent films and series, and in production and post-production for network shows. Eli is the Executive Director of WIFT Vancouver where they work to advance gender equity in film and television. In their spare time, they enjoy drag shows, hiking and being a dog uncle.

BARBARA LEE – Panelist
(Founder of Vancouver Asian Film Festival, #elimin8hate & Racial Equity Screen Office)

Barbara Lee is an independent filmmaker, producer and songwriter in Vancouver.  She has spent over twenty-five years as a community advocate for diverse representation and organizer of events to increase the profile and opportunities for Canadian Asian artists in film, television, media and music. She is the founder of the Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF). Co-founder of the Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon (MAMM) in its 16th year and founder and producer of the Asians in Movies, Music and Media Summit (AIM3), and the Racial Equity Screen Office (RESO). 

JAY ANN PARDY – Panelist
(Post Production Supervisor)

Born and raised in Vancouver, Jay earned her Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts at Capilano University in 2014. She landed her first job in the industry while finishing up her 4th year of schooling, working as a Post Production Intern in 2013 and has since worked and climbed the ranks, becoming a Post Supervisor in late 2019.

Her work perspective has been shaped through her queer-lens; she seeks to create a welcoming workspace where her employees can openly be themselves and works towards a more inclusive environment for the entire industry.

BUKET BILES – Panelist
(Post Production Coordinator and Board of Director at the Vancouver Post Alliance)

Buket Biles is a Post Coordinator/Supervisor who draws on her experience from working across various areas of Post Production.

Buket’s career began in 2005 in Istanbul, Turkey, where she spent her first few years as a Post PA and Assistant Editor. Following the opportunities coming her way, she shifted her focus to feature films as a Dialogue Editor while managing an award winning sound studio.

After relocating to Vancouver in 2013 with the skills under her belt, she expanded her network, assistant picture editing for a multitude of projects, including television movies, episodics, features, documentaries, and shorts. Cumulating her knowledge from the picture and sound worlds, in 2018 Buket made the leap to post management, recently post coordinating the 4th season of Snowpiercer.

Outside of work, Buket is serving as a Board of Director at Vancouver Post Alliance since 2018 and currently leading the Events committee. She has a passion for promoting engagement with our diverse local post community.

Thank you to our generous sponsors