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Dreamspeakers Film Festival

In 1991, the Aboriginal Filmmakers Association of Alberta (AFAA) met to discuss ways of promoting aboriginal filmmaking. Previous to the early 1990s, there were few Canadian venues available for the screening of Aboriginal films and the AFAA was determined to provide increased opportunities for Aboriginal filmmakers.

At an Edmonton held symposium in April of 1991, plans for the Dreamspeakers Film Festival were first developed. Presented to the community in 1992, the Dreamspeakers festival has run annually ever since.

In 1996, the first annual Dreamspeakers Film Industry Awards honoured film technicians, editors, writers, composers, directors, actors and others involved in the industry. Since this time, Dreamspeakers has undergone many changes and has evolved into a festival focused primarily on film. The biggest change  occurred in 2003, when Dreamspeakers began to collaborate with the Global Visions Film Festival.

	Listen as a former executive director of the Dreamspeakers Film Festival discusses its evolution. Listen Now

Both aspiring and well-established filmmakers have participated in the Dreamspeakers Film Festival, offering a chance for local, national and international filmmakers to exchange ideas, view others' work and receive helpful advice.

The Dreamspeakers Society, along with offering a yearly festival, offers resources for Aboriginal filmmakers, actors, directors and craftspeople throughout the year. Through Dreamspeakers, individuals network with other film industry professionals and receive culture, art and festival operations training.

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