Navigating Independent Documentary Production with the CBC

Join CBC executives Sheila Peacock and Ethan Sawyer, alongside three independent filmmakers, to learn how CBC’s Absolutely Canadian and Creator Network programs support emerging filmmakers in crafting stories that meet CBC’s Journalistic Standards of Practice for distribution across CBC Gem, television, YouTube, and FAST channels.

The discussion will include a Q&A with the audience. 

Executive in Charge of Independent Productions BC & Alberta

Sheila works with new and emerging independent documentary filmmakers and creators for the CBC Creator Network and Absolutely Canadian genres. Her focus is on emerging filmmakers with unique perspectives and original contemporary stories to tell, reflecting modern Canada. She is always on the lookout for stories told from the heart by both the filmmakers and the characters that make the world a better place through learning, understanding, empathy and inspiration.

Producer, Creator Network & Absolutely Canadian films, B.C. & Alberta

Ethan Sawyer works closely with documentary filmmakers in B.C. and Alberta as part of CBC’s Creator Network & Absolutely Canadian team. He has produced everything from daily news stories to full-length documentaries, and loves showcasing the weird, wild, and wonderful sides of Canada that may not always be reflected.

Singer/Disability Advocate

Agasha Mutesasira is a Ugandan-Vancouver-based R&B/Soul artist, storyteller, and disability advocate. Through music and storytelling, she shares honest reflections on growth, self-love, and navigating life with a disability.

Director, Producer, Transformation Coach

Summan Kandola is a Leo-nominated documentary filmmaker, producer and Transformation Coach. She’s known for her feature Identity of Wellness, Chasing Antarctica, Feelings of Music, Monday Motivation and as the host of the Thinkspace Podcast. Her work explores human connection, identity, and cultural narrative through an authentic and emotional lens.

Founder, Director & Producer

Kevin Wong is a Vancouver-based producer, director and editor. His credits include the Leo Award–winning One Million Trees (producer), the Leo-nominated documentary Identity of Wellness (producer and editor), Chasing Antarctica (co-director and editor, VIMFF 2026) and multiple projects for CBC’s Absolutely Canadian and CBC Creator Network, streaming on CBC Gem. He is the founder of Self Hired, a film and branded content company, and Dank Mart, a Canadian specialty retail & lifestyle brand.