CJFF REELvoices

Youth Perspectives in Focus

Youth Documentary Pilot Project | May – November 2026

The Calgary Justice Film Festival has launched CJFF REELvoices: Youth Perspectives in Focus, a pilot documentary filmmaking project that empowers youth to share stories about issues that matter to them and their communities.

Through workshops and hands-on filmmaking, youth participants are working with community mentors to create short documentaries exploring topics connected to justice, community, and lived experience. Films will premiere at the Calgary Justice Film Festival on Saturday November 7, 2026, at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland.

*All photos by Mory Peterson, Afterlight Studio

What Participants Receive

  • Workshops on justice issues and documentary storytelling

  • Training in mobile phone filmmaking and editing

  • Mentorship from community members and professionals

  • Support from local film and community organizations

Mentorship

Each youth filmmaker has been paired with a mentor who provides encouragement and guidance throughout the summer filmmaking process.

Mentors come from:

  • Community organizations

  • Youth-serving agencies

  • Education and advocacy sectors

  • The film industry

Community Partnerships & Sponsorship

CJFF welcomes support for this project from organizations, businesses, and individuals through:

  • Sponsorship

  • Mentorship

  • Equipment contributions

  • Workshop collaboration

  • Promotional partnerships

This pilot project aims to grow into an annual youth filmmaking program supporting approximately 25 youth each year.

Join the Project

We invite mentors, sponsors, community organizations, and supporters to help amplify youth voices through documentary storytelling and community engagement. Please reach out to our Executive Director, Rowan Fisher, to join us in growing this impactful and exciting project: program@justicefilmfestival.ca