ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Spindle Films Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports transgender, non-binary, two-spirit, and gender-diverse Canadian filmmakers. Rooted in an annual mentorship program supporting emerging filmmakers, the Foundation seeks to make the film and television industry more equitable and diverse by giving voice to underrepresented voices.
Spindle Films Foundation's 2025 Producer's Lab. Video by Kara Artym.
OUR MISSON
Our mission is to help establish and amplify the voices of trans, non-binary, two-spirit, and gender-diverse filmmakers by providing directly applicable industry training, skills, and mentorship, the result of which will be a tangible path forward toward a meaningful career. We aim to dismantle existing systemic barriers through mandated education, to create a more diverse, equitable, and celebrated arts community in Canada.
OUR VALUES
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Radical Inclusivity
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Community & Collaboration
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Unconditional Commitment to Safety & Support
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Transparency
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Empowerment & Growth
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Freedom in Creativity
OUR VISION
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A community of gender diverse artists who have consistent access to an equitable portion of work which allows them to thrive as filmmakers.
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Equitable representation of gender-diverse filmmakers at decision-making tables.
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Explicit, actionable practices and policies that remove all systemic barriers for trans, non-binary, two-spirit, and gender-diverse filmmakers
IMPACT
Trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming filmmakers face systemic barriers to career advancement. This mentorship program empowers marginalized filmmakers, providing them with the tools and community to continue telling their own stories. We are also committed to building the educational infrastructure to mandate industry-wide inclusion.
Participants of Spindle Films Foundation's 2025 Producer's Lab at Banff.
WHY US?
Spindle Films Foundation was founded in 2023 by J Stevens, one of the first openly non-binary filmmakers in the Director’s Guild of Canada. As members of the transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse community ourselves, we are excited to help other talented, driven, gender nonconforming filmmakers break into the industry. We believe in fostering our existing connections to create meaningful, industry-wide change.
GET INVOLVED
We’re a small non-profit organization dedicated to the programs we run for our community. If you’re interested in offering support, reach out to info@spindlefilmsfoundation.com