Actress-singer Pam Grier is the keynote speaker at Film Training Manitoba’s SWIFT Conference in October. (FTM / HANDOUT)
Film icon Pam Grier has been announced as the keynote speaker for Film Training Manitoba’s fifth anniversary edition of Canada’s Supporting Women in Film Trades (SWIFT) Conference.
FTM also announced the conference will take place on Saturday, October 24, at the University of Winnipeg’s Riddell Hall.
Grier is regarded as an icon in cinema and has been described by Quentin Tarantino as cinema’s first female action star, transforming Hollywood’s portrayal of women and Black performers through her screen presence and performances.
“From Foxy Brown to Jackie Brown and beyond, Pam Grier has inspired audiences around the world through her ground-breaking performances and commitment to excellence,” said FTM executive director Adam Smoluk.
“We are incredibly honoured to welcome a legendary artist whose career continues to inspire women to pursue leadership, technical excellence, and lasting success.”
SWIFT is the only annual conference in the world dedicated to advancing women-identifying and gender-diverse individuals in film trades and technical roles through a gender-equity lens.
“I’m looking forward to serving as the keynote speaker at Canada’s SWIFT Conference in Winnipeg and celebrating the remarkable contributions women continue to make both in front and behind the camera,” said Grier, in a release.
The SWIFT conference is open to anyone regardless of industry experience. Registration is $70 on FTM’s website: filmtraining.mb.ca/swift.
