Keda

Celebrate Canadian film with AXT: Behind the Screen and @blackcanfilm on National Canadian Film Day as we enjoy the free online screening of the SXSW hit BOXCUTTER, starring Ashton James, Zoe Lewis, and Viphusan Vani. WHERE: Online! WHEN: Wednesday, April 15, 7 PM EST. Link in bio to register! 🚨BONUS CONTEST ALERT!🚨 We have two pairs of tickets to give away! On Friday, April 17, the sold-out theatrical release of the award-winning A TRIBE CALLED LOVE will take place at Cineplex Queensway & VIP. You must attend the BOXCUTTER post-screening Zoom event to enter the giveaway. Full details available on our registration form. @reelcanada @canfilmday @boxcutterfilm #axtbehindthescreen #POGMIfilmmakers #nationalcanadianfilmday #contest #AuthenticNarratives *This contest is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Instagram, Facebook or Meta.

We're pleased to announce our next AXT: Behind the Screen event! On Saturday, March 28th, we're celebrating Women's History Month with a beautiful, "coming-of-adulthood" love story, THIS PLACE, co-written and directed by V.T. Nayani, a recent alumni of the Canadian Film Centre’s Directors' Lab (‘21). THIS PLACE is Nayani's feature-length directorial debut, and celebrated its World Premiere at TIFF in 2022. The AXT Foundation Initiative's invite-only community screening will be followed by an interactive Q&A with V.T., and an Authentic Narratives micro-workshop. About the film: The emerging love between two young women is complicated by their families’ histories, which bear the legacies of loss, migration and displacement. From the Team: "We are proud to share that almost every department head and key position, including our entire cast and all of our executive producers, identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of colour, the majority of whom are women-identified and many of whom are queer." Cast: Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs Priya Guns Writers: Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs V.T. Nayani Golshan Abdmoulaie Executive Producers: Stephanie Sonny Hooker V.T. Nayani #PoGMIcreatives #authenticnarrativeimagery #internationalwomensmonth #lgbtqstorytelling #AXTBehindtheScreen @_9knee @vortexmediainc

For #i̇nternationalwomensday 2026, we celebrate all the women in the world who work together for equality and justice. Women from the #GlobalMajority are trailblazers, pioneers, and ready to overcome challenges with grace and intelligence. The Access Threshold founders thrive by supporting women, their allies and our work for a better film industry that acknowledges the contributions of women over the centuries. And how do we do this? The #givetogain theme for 2026 is so important. 🫶🏾 We first give to ourselves. As women, we must find time to center ourselves so that we can help others. Meditate, rest, journal, hold light in our circles, care for yourself so you can care for others. 🫶🏾 Invest in sisterhood. Support each other with fearless, candid conversations. Remove the gates that seperate. Real talk is the first step in creating community. 🫶🏾 Shout your sister's name loud and proud! Highlighting other women's success is the only way we make a mark in the world. We are all working towards a common goal: Equality. By lifting other women up, we support our foundational strength. In these uncertain times, solidarity is more important than ever. Celebrate this Women's Day with heads held high, hearts full and holding the hands of your sisters. @internationalwomensday_global #PoGMI peopleofglobalmajority #blackwomenentrepreneurs

“We’re building something truly authentic and safe and progressive that looks at not only the stories being told, but how they are being told and how the storytellers are being treated.” - Keda Edwards Pierre Fueled by an unshakable conviction in the transformative power of storytelling and innovation, Keda creates and supports healing-centered, purpose-driven work that catalyzes systemic change! #AccessThreshold #BlackWomenEntrepreneurs #SupportPoGMI #PowerOfStorytelling #StayTuned This work was made possible by ArtsWorksTO (Newcomer Program), in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation. ArtsWorksTO is a workforce development initiative that provides participants with credentialed education, industry mentorship, and paid work placements to develop practical skills and build professional networks in the media arts industry. @artworks.to @torontoartsfoundation

We envision an inspired and purposeful film industry where diverse filmmakers are welcomed, empowered, and supported at every stage of their creative journey. An industry where PoGMI talent is sought after, not sidelined. Where inclusion is systemic, not symbolic. Where bold storytelling reshapes the narrative. #AccessThreshold #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackWomenEntrepreneurs #SupportPoGMI #BoldStorytelling This work was made possible by ArtsWorksTO (Newcomer Program), in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation. ArtsWorksTO is a workforce development initiative that provides participants with credentialed education, industry mentorship, and paid work placements to develop practical skills and build professional networks in the media arts industry. @artworks.to @torontoartsfoundation

February calls for a celebration of Black History, and for the co-founders of Access Threshold, it is also a time to reflect on how history has shaped their lives, what it represents today, and how they can create meaningful change for emerging and transitioning Black voices in creative spaces. As co-founders, Keda and Carolyn draw from their shared experiences to build something purposeful for our community. They believe there is power in naming the challenges they themselves have faced and even greater power in taking action to address them. Access Threshold is grounded in partnership. The AXT Aunties support one another, uplift each other’s work, and continue learning together as they step into their roles as changemakers and perspective-shifters within the industry. Here’s a glimpse into what true partnership looks like, the energy, care, and conversations that fuel their work and drive lasting impact. #AccessThreshold #AXTAunties #BlackWomenEntrepreneurs #BlackExcellence #SupportPoGMI This work was made possible by ArtsWorksTO (Newcomer Program), in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation. ArtsWorksTO is a workforce development initiative that provides participants with credentialed education, industry mentorship, and paid work placements to develop practical skills and build professional networks in the media arts industry. @artworks.to @torontoartsfoundation

I'm thrilled to join the AI for Wellness & Spirituality Summit. It's a space where we're asking deeper questions about how AI can support our inner lives. This gathering thoughtfully explores how AI can be used in mental health, wellness and spiritual growth without replacing human judgment, intuition or agency, and without losing sight of culture, care and context. I'm honoured to stand alongside such a powerful group of teachers and practitioners, and I look forward to the insightful conversations ahead. If you're curious about how AI, wellness and spirituality can be led with integrity and humanity, this summit is worth your time. /kepi #EthicalAI #aiforwellness #MentalHealthTech #spiritualityandtechnology #ConsciousAI #presenceoverautomation #EquityInTech #sacredtechnology #MentalHealthTech #responsibleinnovation #futureofcare #healingwithintegrity #techwithpurpose #KedaEdwardsPierre

We would love to see an inclusive industry willing to take chances on stories that aren’t the status quo. Through Access Threshold’s programs, we aim to help create a sustainable, healthy industry by leveraging our three pillars: POGMI: People of the Global Majority and Intersectionality We recognize that artists navigate layered experiences of race, gender, sexuality, class, ability, culture and more, and that these intersections shape both creative expression and access to opportunity. Through culturally resonant programming, research, and partnerships, we address systemic inequities while fostering spaces where PoGMI communities are celebrated as sources of strength, innovation and creativity. By centring those most excluded, we create healthier, more inclusive creative ecosystems that benefit everyone. S3: Safe, Sustainable, and Supportive Spaces We work to transform the creative industries into safe, supportive, and sustainable ecosystems. This means addressing structural inequities, advancing inclusive hiring, and embedding wellness into the fabric of production and distribution. By centering equity, we lay the groundwork for long-term sustainability, ensuring that marginalized artists have not only access, but also the resources and protections to flourish across their careers. ANI: Authentic Narrative Imagery We champion narratives that reflect, affirm, and empower underrepresented communities in Arts & Entertainment. Through mentorship, screenings, and program support, we expand the space for untold stories. By elevating diverse voices, we create a cultural record that is richer, more accurate, and more just than the current systems. Inclusive storytelling is not only about who is seen on screen, but also about who controls the lens. #AccessThreshold #SupportingPoGMI #SafeSustainableSupportive #AuthenticNarrativeImagery #ThreePillars This work was made possible by ArtsWorksTO (Newcomer Program), in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation. @artworks.to @torontoartsfoundation

🎬 AXT: Behind the Screen - Q&A Update We’re excited to expand our panelists and welcome an incredible group of industry leaders and filmmakers for an intimate post-screening Q&A. Panelists include: • Eric Bizzarri, Co-Founder & CEO, Future of Film Showcase • Kirk Cooper, CEO, Film Market Access (Surprise Panelist) • Carolyn Mauricette, Co-Founder, Access Threshold • Participating filmmakers The Q&A will dive into film festival strategies and how short filmmakers navigate the festival landscape. The evening will close with an immersive workshop led by Keda Edwards Pierre, Co-Founder of Access Threshold. Invite-only event. Interested in future AXT: Behind the Screen events? Email [email protected] This work was made possible by ArtsWorksTO (Newcomer Program), in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation. ArtsWorksTO is a workforce development initiative that provides participants with credentialed education, industry mentorship, and paid work placements to develop practical skills and build professional networks in the media arts industry. @artworks.to @torontoartsfoundation

🎬 AXT: Behind the Screen! AXT Short Film Showcase & Industry Conversation On Friday, January 23, the AXT Aunties are hosting a special screening of short films by a group of talented Toronto PoGMI creatives. Featuring work across genres: docudrama, sci-fi, hard-hitting drama, dark comedy, music video, and more… 🎤 Following the screening, join us for an interactive Q&A with: Carolyn Mauricette, Co-Founder, Access Threshold, Eric Bizzarri, Co-Founder & CEO, Future of Film Showcase (FOFS) and participating filmmakers. The Q&A will dive into film festival strategies and how short filmmakers navigate the festival landscape. The evening will close with an immersive workshop led by Keda Edwards Pierre, Co-Founder of Access Threshold. 📅 Friday, January 23, 2026 ⏰ 6:30 PM Films include: KWA GOGO ANGA (To MY Elders), dir. Chifundo Thangata DOW, dir. Sofi Abou-Assali FRIED RICE, dir. Lola Oguntuase CRY BABY CRY, dir. Esther Caszo WHAT THEY DON’T TELL YOU, dir. Keisha James YOU DON’T READ ENOUGH, dir. Noa Kozulin, prod. Emilia Michalowska JGS, dir. Kadhja Bonet NEXT STOP VEGAS, dir. Brandon Darcel PERFORMANCE ANXIETY, dir. Trey Anderson This event is invite-only. Interested in future Behind the Screen events? Email [email protected] #AccessThreshold #SupportingPoGMI #AXTBehindTheScreen #ShortFilms #AuthenticNarrative This work was made possible by ArtsWorksTO (Newcomer Program), in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation. ArtsWorksTO is a workforce development initiative that provides participants with credentialed education, industry mentorship, and paid work placements to develop practical skills and build professional networks in the media arts industry. @artworks.to @torontoartsfoundation

We want to see more of our stories made and supported. We want to see less skepticism with PoGMI stories and more confidence in the powers that support PoGMI productions. Access Threshold exists to transform how creatives (especially mature, PoGMI, and equity-seeking talent) enter, access, navigate and thrive in the arts and entertainment industry. #AccessThreshold #SupportingPoGMI #AXTAunties This work was made possible by ArtsWorksTO (Newcomer Program), in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation. ArtsWorksTO is a workforce development initiative that provides participants with credentialed education, industry mentorship, and paid work placements to develop practical skills and build professional networks in the media arts industry. @artworks.to @torontoartsfoundation

AXT: Behind the Screen is Back! 🎥 In 2025, Access Threshold presented a new intimate screening series called AXT: Behind the Screen, where we build community by showcasing PoGMI creators. This evening features film appreciation, education, and networking in accessible locations across the GTA. We featured Subjects of Desire and Brown Girl Begins, films by acclaimed @wift.toronto Crystal Award-winning filmmakers @jenniferjholness and @thesharonlewis , and that’s just the beginning of our community-based celebrations for trailblazing PoGMI creatives. Stay tuned for more details on this invite-only event! #AccessThreshold #SupportingPoGMI #AXTBehindTheScreen #StayTuned This work was made possible by ArtsWorksTO (Newcomer Program), in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation. ArtsWorksTO is a workforce development initiative that provides participants with credentialed education, industry mentorship, and paid work placements to develop practical skills and build professional networks in the media arts industry. @artworks.to @torontoartsfoundation