By Henna Mann,
Special to The Post

Eunice Hau was enrolled for a diploma in film and video production at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and was being pushed to the limit by finals. But she decided to attend a film conference in Banff which would alter her story arc as a future filmmaker.

At the conference she was introduced to TELUS STORYHIVE and met with some of the organisation’s staff. One of them was even a SAIT graduate and strongly encouraged Hau and her friends to apply.

It would be a moment of serendipity as Hau decided to apply.

A short time later, she received her first grant from STORYHIVE, straight out of graduating film school. And she’s stuck with them ever since.

“Most recently, I produced Ginger Beef, which I also wrote and directed,” explained Hau on her most recent STORYHIVE project

“It’s a web series pilot episode about a Chinese-Canadian girl who is already having a rough first day of high school, only for her best friend to ditch her for someone cooler.”

STORYHIVE also enabled me to produce “Hang Dog” (music video) and “Of Broken Vessels”, my first short film out of film school, that took place on a sail boat.

TELUS STORYHIVE has been supporting underrepresented storytellers in British Columbia and Alberta for over a decade, and now it’s announcing the launch of its latest focused Edition, the TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Storyteller Edition.

This new intake is an exceptional opportunity for new and emerging filmmakers of Pan-Asian heritage to bring their unique stories to the big screen. The program aims to showcase Pan-Asian-Canadian perspectives that have often been excluded or misrepresented throughout history, creating a platform for filmmakers to take the lead in telling the authentic stories from their own communities.

“STORYHIVE was there every step of the way, providing not only the much-needed funds to make things happen, but also the mentorship, helpful timelines, and feedback,” explained Hau. “They were always available to answer questions and made the whole process very accessible.” STORYHIVE’s guidance allowed her to focus on her creativity while feeling supported throughout the production process.

Hau also speaks highly of the mentorship she received from the National Screen Institute, especially during her first short film project. “Our mentor was key in refining the script. He had some astute observations and recommendations that made our story stronger,” she explains.

Hau encourages anyone considering applying to Pan-Asian Storyteller Edition.

“Do it! If you have the tiniest seed of desire to tell a story in a film format, put your best foot forward and apply! STORYHIVE is the best way to dip your toe into the filmmaking water.”

Curious to learn more? Next week, join STORYHIVE for an insightful hour-long online session, where they will address as many questions as possible.

The STORYHIVE Editions team will be online for an hour-long Ask Us Anything webinar on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 11am PT / 12pm MT to take your questions. Please submit your questions at the provided link during the session. Register for the event here.

The TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Storyteller Edition offers a unique chance for new and emerging filmmakers to receive $20,000 in production funding, mentorship, and training to produce a short film or documentary.

The completed films will be showcased across TELUS platforms, including TELUS Optik TV with over one million viewers, Stream+ and  STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel.

Applications are open now and will close on May 8th, 2025. If you are a filmmaker with a story to tell, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make your mark in the Canadian film industry. For more information and to apply, visit storyhive.com/apply.