Melissa Pole
Pyralume
- PhD Candidate in Indigenous and Canadian Studies
Melissa Pole is a PhD Candidate in Indigenous and Canadian Studies and specializes in Film and Curatorial Studies with a background in film production and art therapy. As a visual artist and filmmaker, she is passionate about art as social practice, collaborative methods, and localized knowledge to empower communities. Inspired by how stories animate social worlds, she founded the Three Fires International Film Festival dedicated to the promotion of independent Indigenous, Canadian, and international cinema in Canada and abroad, and then Pyralume, a community platform to help emerging filmmakers and film festivals connect with audiences to gain visibility through a vibrant storytelling hub for engagement, collaboration, and the championing of diverse, global content.
Three Fires International Film Festival has rapidly ascended to become a prominent global platform celebrating independent cinema since its inaugural event in July 2023. Our journey began with our first film festival in Muskoka, Ontario with over 200 film submissions from 22 countries. As we approach our upcoming festival in partnership with Ottawa Centretown BIA, we proudly announce a remarkable milestone – an astounding 600 film submissions from 84 countries. This rapid growth reflects our unwavering dedication to diversity, cultural exchange, and global storytelling. We provide an inclusive platform for filmmakers to share their narratives and cultures, fostering understanding and collaboration within the film community. As we embark on our next festival, we aim to continue celebrating the world’s stories through film, driven by the support and enthusiasm of filmmakers, partners, and audiences worldwide.
Pyralume is developing a community platform that combines social media and streaming to help emerging filmmakers and film festivals connect with audiences to gain visibility, fostering a vibrant storytelling hub for engagement, collaboration, and the championing of diverse, global content. Pyralume offers a transformative experience for customers, investors, and stakeholders by blending technology, creativity, and community into a dynamic social streaming platform for emerging filmmakers. For customers, Pyralume provides unparalleled access to diverse, independent films often overlooked by mainstream platforms. Its WatchFlix feature fosters a unique interactive experience where users can remix films, engage directly with creators, and build a personalized film community by following and subscribing to filmmakers directly. This approach not only entertains but empowers audiences to actively shape the stories they love. For investors, Pyralume represents a high-growth opportunity in the rapidly evolving media industry. With its focus on independent filmmakers and global reach spanning 96 countries, the platform taps into an underserved market, driving both cultural impact and financial returns. By leveraging innovative technologies like AI video generation and collaborative editing software, Pyralume stays ahead of industry trends, creating a scalable and sustainable business model.