Letter from the Editor (Spring 2022)
Splice lives!
Hello, and welcome, from your Interim-Editor. This Spring issue (now Summer, but who’s counting) marks the first issue since long-time editor Wanda Schmöckel retired from the role, and we are grateful for her stewardship these past years. When I re-joined the Filmpool board this Spring, I saw a Splice Committee who built a strong foundation for the future. Wanda and the Splice committee created an online home for the magazine, and raised rates for both the editor and writers — we are proud to now offer a better-than-market-rate for our contributors. The committee lit up with new ideas after, and I was happy to volunteer as Interim-Editor while we searched for a new Editor. (Spoiler alert: we found someone great. Keep reading until the end).
In this issue, Splice committee member and photographer Esperanza Sanchez Espitia documents her experience of the Colour Reversal Lab Retreat, a first of its kind incubator in Treaty 4. One of the Splice Committee’s goal with the Spring 2022 issue was to connect with writers outside of our membership, and to that end we are delighted to feature writers like Sabina Wex, who profiled the role of mentorship in Zarqa Nawaz’ CBC Gem series “Zarqa” and Filmpool member Candy Fox’s experience directing on the show. We are also grateful to Sara Birrell, formerly of the Sask Dispatch, who diligently analyzed the effects of Creative Saskatchewan’s 2022 funding increase through discussions with the organization and independent filmmaker Layton Burton. Finally, as a capstone for the Filmpool’s 45th anniversary this year, longtime Filmpool member Dianne Ouellette graciously chronicles and reflects on the years since she first joined the co-op in 1995.
Splice occupies a unique role in Saskatchewan film and media history. We see its potential to grow and both connect, and serve, filmmakers, writers, thinkers and craftspeople on the prairies and beyond. But we need help and expertise to get there. To that end, I am thrilled to introduce you to Splice’s Editor for this next year: Amielle Christopherson. Amielle is a Saskatoon-based writer and University of Alberta graduate, recently returned to Saskatchewan. She is also the founder of Wheat & Laurel, a rural Alberta journal for youth, and we are excited to have her experience and perspective for the magazine going forward.
Thank you to Wanda, our writers, the Filmpool membership, and the committee who trusted me with this role. We’re just getting started. Now Amielle – take the baton!
Sincerely,
Mattias Graham
Interim-Editor, Splice Magazine
The Splice Committee is:
Amber Christiensen
Esperanza Sanchez Espitia
Jeremy Davis (Chair)
Mattias Graham
Adrienne Kaye
Cover Photo courtesy of Dianne Ouellette