PATHFINDERS FILM INSITUTE (“PFI”) Offers comprehensive film production training programs complete with certified courses for aspiring BIPOC filmmakers & storytellers interested in pursuing a career path in the Canadian film and television industry

Founded by CEO Julian Black Antelope (“JBA”) in October 2023, PFI evolved from the internal film training program he first established in 2016 under his production company HERD of 1 MEDIA.

In response to the lack of authentic paid training for emerging Indigenous creatives, JBA developed a practical hands-on training program that leverages his diverse industry experience across cast, stunts and various crew positions. This broad exposure has equipped him with a comprehensive knowledge base to build a successful global career as an actor, writer director, and producer.

While not a new idea, JBA's training initiative gained significant momentum in June 2022 when it became western Canada’s first subsidized Indigenous film training program, operating under the “one-off/proof of concept” entity Counting Coup Indigenous Film Academy. As founder, CEO, and President, JBA assembled and engaged a management team to execute a successfully three-month trial program in collaboration with Old Sun Community College and the Siksika Nation.

With the film industry firmly establishing itself in Alberta and Saskatchewan, the demand for authentic, certified technical training has surged, in addition to the long overdue need to change the face of diversity within the industry itself.