Jody Bauche

Supporting Indigenous Sovereign and Cultural Production: The Creation of a Non-Government Organization, focused on Communication, Art, and Technology: A Funding Proposal for the Lək̓ʷəŋən and Xwsepsum First Nations. 

Abstract

A project for social change is meant to provide solutions for societal concerns. Grounded in the tradition of social movements, this project makes the case that Indigenous storytelling is the foundation for sovereign cultural production and resurgence. Using public data and an auto-ethnographic approach, this project proposal will make the case that the creation of an Lək̓ʷəŋən and Xwsepsum-owned NGO will support the ability of current and future generations to retain and develop cultural knowledge through the application of communication, art and technology. This proposal is supported by previous research that explains the connection between Indigenous performance and communication. 

Technology integration is meant to include the new generation of young people, often referred to as Generation Z (11–27 year-olds). This generation is well-adapted to technology and are looking for ways to be included in a socially democratic future which includes solutions for climate change, social injustice, and economic disparities. Inspired by the work of Stuart Hall, this proposal suggests that it is necessary to support the critical analysis of mainstream media and communication and offers the solution of creating an Indigenous and youth-led initiative that can support genuine Indigenous cultural resurgence and production, as a way forward. 

An Binh Tran

Reimagining Engagement with Vietnam's Ethnic Minorities: Insights from the 'Fleshy Messy Stuff' of Everyday Life

Abstract

Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country with 54 ethnic groups recognized by the Vietnamese government, in which Kinh is the majority according to its population and dominant ruling power, while other groups are categorized as ethnic minority groups. Throughout a long history of national unity building influenced by modernization and civilization processes, ethnic minority groups have been not only marginalized from political, social, and economic benefits, but their ways of living are also stigmatized and forced to adapt to “new recognitions.” The establishment of the non-profit sector in the late 1980s shed new light on “ethnic minority issues,” introducing community-based practices that aim to promote grassroots voices and build community capacity. Despite several efforts to localize approaches and methods to better facilitate work with ethnic minority groups, most programs are still heavily influenced by Western theories, rationales, and frameworks, making it hard for development workers to look beyond these “boxes” and imagine alternative ways of communication with ethnic minorities. My ongoing master’s project is a journey as a development worker and early-stage researcher, seeking “the otherwise,” which challenges conventional communication for development (C4D) practices. That otherwise is learned and practiced in everyday life, through affective intensity and a reparative approach. In this presentation, I invite the audience to walk in my unconventional research process, in which my interactions with reality informed my choice of research methodology (if I can call it so), and my identity/positionality has been shaped. I also present recommendations for development workers drawn from my key learnings.

Genevieve Cheng

The @social.mediacy project: A social media content approach to media literacy education 

Abstract

The @social.mediacy project is a content campaign that demonstrates how academic theory and research on media education topics can be conveyed on social media platforms using short and long-form videos and infographics. Each content asset critiqued social media platforms–addressing various topics such as their attention economy business models and their roles in the information environment. This presentation will detail how the campaigns were produced, strategized, and executed across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and how they performed organically and with the assistance of paid advertising, drawing conclusions on how knowledge translation can be conducted using popular new media platforms.

Omri Haiven

Agrivoltaics: Visionary Infrastructure Against the Poly-crisis

Abstract

BC faces unprecedented climate-related hazards for both food and energy production. 

Increasing droughts have contributed to the loss of both our agricultural output in the short term but also created long-term instability for BC’s majority hydro-electric energy system. 

Agrivoltaics presents robust solutions to this problem by maximizing efficiencies for both crop and energy cultivation while also protecting crops from the elements and promoting drought resistance. 

Apart from these excellent climate change adaptation strategies, agrivoltaics presents us with an opportunity to fulfill ‘green new deal’ goals while mitigating climate change. It does this by offering a viable and scalable alternative energy source while delivering on several key parts of the populist European and North American political movement. These parts include:increased farmland, green jobs, better working conditions for farmers, rural and peri-urban economic development and the creation of climate change resiliency for both energy and food systems.

This M.A project creates a package of materials to help advance the movement for agrivoltaics in BC. The project components include a policy discussion paper, a strategic communication plan, podcast and editorial examples and an academic essay. Each of these elements of the project hold a key to bringing agrivoltaics forward as a part if the solution to the poly-crisis faced by BC in the current era of climate chaos.

Joseph Motwashleh

On Stereotypes and Prototypes: The Impact of Political, Economic and Cultural Agendas on Egyptian-Foreign Film Co-Productions

Abstract

This research-driven creative documentary, Silent Treatment, explores the social, political, and economic factors that affect foreign co-production of Egyptian films. Through an intimate autoethnographic meta-narrative lens, it critically examines how stereotypes, Western hegemony, and Orientalist frameworks influence storytelling, production processes, and representation.

Blending personal experiences, industry insights, and academic perspectives, this research-based creative endeavor critiques the political economy and institutional dynamics of film festival circuits, which serve as the primary—and often sole—sources of transnational funding for the Egyptian independent film ecosystem. It responds to the current media landscape by presenting its findings in a manner that fosters greater public engagement. Drawing on the substantial contributions of Edward Said, Gayatri Spivak, Roy Ames, Viola Shafik, and Rasha Allam, the project contextualizes these challenges within broader discussions of colonial histories, state nationalism, and transnationalism in Arab and North African cinema.

In doing this project I aim to move beyond this point of conflict and misunderstanding and open a space for discussion in order to achieve mutual benefits and coexistence, rather than maintain the Orientalist view that Edward Said identified and that many others have since recognized. By offering insights from industry insiders, this project advocates for a more balanced relationship in power dynamics between the Global North and South (or East and West) as opposed to a hierarchical one, challenging stereotypes and distorted representations of the "Other" and "Self".

In this respect, true decolonization can occur within the domain of film production as it intersects with a political-economic critique of the global industry. The project further advocates for supporting local talent outside the parameters of colonial systems of patronage and hegemonic global film production, addressing their impact on the Egyptian cinematic landscape.

Julia Salomon

Project Futopia: Training students imagination for a desirable and sustainable future

Abstract

Project Futopia empowers young adults to envision a desirable, sustainable future through creative exercises, establishing a mental gym for radical sociological imagination. The project consists of two workshops with SFU students. The first, a two-day session, utilized the Emotional Flow Model to guide students from climate anxiety to hopeful future visions, resulting in a collective Futopia through art and play.

The second phase, in partnership with the SFU Sustainability Office, focused on students' visions for a sustainable university and the skills needed to become effective change agents. This phase engaged more students with a lower time commitment, connecting climate change to their university experience and integrating personal growth with sustainability skills.

Informed by interviews with climate workshop facilitators, climate initiatives, and literature on Active Participative Futuring, games, art, and emotions in climate communication, these workshops aimed to set a new standard. They provided a time-travel experience to an eco-utopian future, clarifying participants' roles as change agents and boosting motivation and resilience in addressing climate change.