Melissa Pole
Breakthrough Program Participant
| Degrees: | PhD Candidate in Indigenous and Canadian Studies |
| Email: | MelissaPole@cmail.carleton.ca |
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.
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.