Celebrating Young Filmmakers: An Inspiring Conversation with Renee and Matt in Calgary

Recently, a heartfelt live stream brought together filmmakers, community members, and industry supporters to celebrate the talent emerging from Calgary’s vibrant film scene. The event featured a candid discussion between filmmaker Renee and her mentor, Matt Watterworth, highlighting the importance of community, cultural identity, and mentorship in filmmaking. The session kicked off with a warm greeting as the host welcomed viewers and explained the purpose of the stream: to spotlight Renee, a talented young filmmaker whose documentary Filipino Ka Ba is set for release on September 25th. Renee shared a glimpse into her journey, starting from her high school days when she first discovered her passion for filmmaking. She explained how a school project ignited her interest, but it wasn’t until she faced setbacks in her studies that she decided to pursue film seriously, enrolling at SAIT for film production. Renee’s path was shaped by her desire to tell stories rooted in her community and cultural heritage. Her documentary, Filipino Ka Ba?, was a labor of love created for the Philippine Calgary Summer Festival. With a tight eight-month deadline, she crafted a film exploring themes of history, immigration, and identity within the Filipino community. Her dedication paid off when the film sold out its first screening, drawing praise from audiences both within and outside her cultural circle. Throughout the conversation, Renee spoke openly about her personal experiences growing up Filipino in Calgary. She shared how she initially struggled to connect with her cultural roots, often feeling inadequate because she didn’t speak Tagalog fluently or adhere to traditional customs. However, through her filmmaking, she learned that embracing her true self and exploring her heritage was a form of love and connection to her family. Her collaborations reflect her community ties; her father, a Filipino radio host in Calgary since 2004, played a significant role in connecting her with local talent. Renee also drew from her personal network, working with friends and community members who had immigrated to Canada at different ages. These relationships enriched her storytelling and helped her create an authentic portrayal of Filipino life in Calgary. The discussion also touched on the broader significance of supporting diverse cultures through film. Renee emphasized how representation matters and how her work aims to showcase the richness of her heritage. She mentioned the importance of young filmmakers learning from industry veterans like Matt, who is renowned for his honest insights into the filmmaking process. Matt Watterworth, her film studies teacher, shared his perspective on the power of networking and community-building in the industry. He noted, “I think we had a few classes together in 2022/2023, probably just best to say the SAIT Film & Video Production Program. She would remember better than I when she was my student, sadly!” His mentorship has helped many young talents, including Rene, who has already achieved impressive milestones. Looking ahead, Renee’s upcoming screenings and her film’s release promise to inspire more young filmmakers to follow their dreams. Notably, there will be a second screening of Filipino Ka Ba? —a documentary exploring Filipino-Canadian identity—on Friday, September 25th, 2026, at the Confluence Historic Site’s Burnswest Theatre in Calgary. The event is hosted by The Dandylion Productions and will feature two showtimes: 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Tickets are priced at $23.77 CAD, and attendees can expect a heartfelt exploration of biculturalism, heritage, and community, made by sisters Crislen and Rene Barnachea. This film delves into third identity and the generational experiences of Filipino Canadians living in Alberta—what they inherit, what they carry, and how they define “enough”. It’s a celebration of cultural resilience, sacrifice, and the ongoing quest for identity. The event is open to Filipino Canadians and families, bicultural and multicultural individuals, allies, community members, and anyone interested in learning more about Filipino-Canadian stories. Seats are limited, so early reservations are encouraged. As the event concludes, both Renee and Matt expressed gratitude for the support of their community and the opportunity to share their stories. The live stream and upcoming screenings serve as a reminder that filmmaking is a collective effort—built on mentorship, cultural pride, and a shared passion for storytelling. With such dedicated voices championing diversity and community in Calgary, the future of local film and cultural expression looks brighter than ever.