The AXT Exchange: Interactive Industry Workshops

The AXT Exchange: Interactive Industry Workshops

Thursday, June 12, 2026 – Friday, June 13th, 2026

Program Overview

The Access Threshold Foundation Initiative (AXTFI)’s flagship Roots to Reels Filmmaker Accelerator gathers a talented group of filmmakers for a transformative four-day development experience designed to strengthen projects, creators, and pathways to industry success. As part of the program, participants go through a 2-day intensive program and then compete in the Roots to Reels Pitch Challenge, where they have the opportunity to showcase their projects, receive valuable feedback from industry executives, and compete for development-focused prizes and opportunities.

The Roots to Reels Filmmaker Accelerator begins with two days of intensive online learning, mentorship, and pitch development designed to strengthen both creators and their projects.

The third day takes place as part of The AXT Exchange, where participants engage in rotating interactive workshops exploring key areas of the filmmaking ecosystem, including concept development, legal and business affairs, financing, production, marketing, sales, distribution, and creative sustainability.

The program culminates on the fourth day with the Roots to Reels Pitch Challenge and curated industry meetings, providing participants with opportunities to showcase their projects, build meaningful industry connections, and receive feedback from professionals working across film, television, and media.

Each carefully curated round, facilitated by moderators and featuring industry professionals and decision-makers, will run up to five times throughout the day, with each session exploring different facets or subtopics within the key areas below. As participants rotate through the sessions, they will have the opportunity to ask meaningful questions, share insights, build relationships, and engage in dynamic, solution-oriented conversations across a full spectrum of industry-relevant topics.

Key Areas of Focus

• From Idea to Impact: Concept Development
• The Business of Film: Financing, Rights & Dealmaking
• Inside Production
• Creative Sustainability: Wellness, Boundaries & Longevity
• The Marketplace: Festivals, Distribution & Audience Reach

Our Community Partners and Sponsors

The AXT Exchange, Roots to Reels Filmmaker Accelerator, Pitch Challenge and DAÏ Art Exhibit are made possible through the support of our community partners and sponsors, including 105ive Films, Area V5 Pictures, Black Canada Film, Broken Whole Media Group, CanFro Productions, Caféteca, CarMau Media Services, Connekt Film, Do Things Right Media, Exocentric Productions, Fifth House of Creativity, Film Market Access, First Slate International, FOUND TV, Freddie Films, Game Theory Films, Her Collected, Hollywood Suite, Hye’s Musings, JRowe Media, KeMor Centre of Innovative Development, LadyBoss Beauty Bar, Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto, One Mic Educators, Masala Spirits Co., Canada Arts Council, Operation X Studios, Ouat Media, Playfight VFX, Precious Metal Productions, Raven Banner Entertainment, Reel 360 Film Consultants, Scriptation, SNAG! Productions, The Coven, Waabishkizi Miigwan kwe (Tradishalicious), Web Series Canada, When the Pig Came Home, and Xentury Inc., whose contributions help Access Threshold and AXT Foundation Initiative create courageous creative spaces, foster meaningful community, and expand access to opportunities, resources, mentorship, and industry connections for People of Global Majority and Intersectionality (PoGMI) creators at each stage of their journey.

How to Join

• When: Thursday, June 12 – Friday, June 13, 2026
• How: Register now at the link below for full details

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIbSbpMdgeYhoABCxKRB9bT48t_0N5tWjbriQIzCnkbemyhw/viewform