Empowering storytellers. Advancing change.
Good Pitch Vancouver is a core program of Story Money Impact. Good Pitch was created by the UK organization DocSociety who now oversee Good Pitch programs locally funded and produced all over the world. With two editions complete SMI have supported ten Canadian documentary film teams in developing strategies and fostered coalitions to achieve impact goals around key issues.
Good Pitch Vancouver First Edition: June – December 2018
Good Pitch Vancouver Second Edition: October 2019 – March 2020
CONVICTION
Alarmed by the rising number of women in prison worldwide, three filmmakers ask a group of women in prison to imagine a radically different kind of society that supports and nurtures – instead of punishing – the most vulnerable among us. This impact campaign aimed to advance the conversation on “decarceration” - reducing the number of prisons and people entering prisons.
49 completed of 57 scheduled screenings, 4836 audience members
Of the 627 surveys collected, there were 448 sign-ups for mailing list
70.34% surveys showed an increase in knowledge about decarceration after seeing the film
24.87% showed an increase in support of decarceration after seeing the film
96% people would take action on the issues raised, including write a letter to a government official (43.65%), donate or volunteer (48.43%), host a screening (17.29%) or share on social media (53.21%)
In 2020, Senator Kim Pate introduced the Judicial Discretion Bill (S-208) and the Criminal Record Expiry Bill (S-214) into the Canadian Senate, that is being supported by Conviction’s letter writing campaign
THE WORLD IS BRIGHT
The Dengs and their personal journey to understand the suicide of their son Shi-Meng expose the vulnerability to mental illness that the act of immigration creates. Their negotiations with their relationship, different cultures, grief and family penetrate to the heart of the immigrant experience. This impact campaign aimed to stimulate culturally accessible discussions of mental illness in immigrant communities, to comfort the parents of Shi-Meng Deng, and create better systemic treatment of immigrants with mental health problems
8 screenings so far
$20,000 Sea to Sky Award winner at VIFF
43.9% of audience members said they more were willing to reach out to family and friends after watching this film
The director of the hospital Shi-Meng was institutionalized at gave a heartfelt apology for the actions and inaction of his staff
Dozens of letters, videos and voice recordings were delivered to Shi’Meng’s parents as a care package after the premiere of this film
Politician Jane Thornthwaite advocated for the improvement of sensitivities of authorities that deal with immigrants and international students in the Legislative assembly
18 articles written in local, provincial and national press
KLABONA KEEPERS
From 2006 to 2018 the Klabona Keepers have blockaded roads, shut down camps, and created such immense public pressure that not one, but two massive mining companies have pulled their mining operations from the region. This is the story of a community protecting their land.
$113,000 raised at Good Pitch Vancouver for impact campaign
Klappan Land Plan signed by BC government protecting the Sacred Headwaters until 2039
ANTHROPOCENE: THE HUMAN EPOCH
At the intersection of art and science, Anthropocene: The Human Epoch witnesses, in an experiential sense, a critical moment in geological history – delivering a provocative and unforgettable account of our species’ breadth and impact.
Bilingual education program to teachers across Canada FOR FREE, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS). The program will reach more than 23,000 classroom teachers from across the country through the RCGS’s educational arm, Canadian Geographic (Can Geo) Education
10+ international awards and honours
★★★★ (out of 4) — The Globe and Mail
★★★★ (out of 4) — Toronto Star
★★★★ (out of 4) — National Post
THE NEW CORPORATION
With Corporate Social Responsibility programs and Shared Value initiatives, corporations now proclaim they are more caring and conscientious. Has the psychopath just become more charming?
Premiering soon
FIRST WE EAT
Putting food sovereignty to the test in the far North of Canada, filmmaker Suzanne Crocker banned all grocery store food from her house for a year and fed her family only food that could be hunted, foraged, fished, trapped, grown or raised around Dawson City, Yukon, capturing the attention of others who also believe in the surprising bounty of the North. Directed by Suzanne Crocker.
Coalition created between BC Farmer’s Markets Association, Buy Social Canada, KPU Institute of Sustainable Food, and Vancouver Food Policy Council
LOVE, THE LAST CHAPTER
Exploring the taboo topic of elder intimacy and the stigma surrounding aging and decision-making, this documentary visits the Aspen Silvera Home for Seniors where involvement in romantic relationships creates challenges for the residents, uncharted territory for their families, and disruption within the elder care system for facility staff.
Screening opportunities created for healthcare workers at Canadian Association of Gerontology conference, International Association of Gerontology conference, Gerontology Research Centre and the Gerontology Program at Simon Fraser University, Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN), Association of Community Response Networks, Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, West End Seniors Network and more
MAKE MONEY ONLINE: A VERY HUMAN TECH DOC
In a world where millions of people find their main source of income from gig work, the side hustle, the on-demand economy, this film poses a critical question for the rest of us, How can we value the human lives behind this work?
Coalition built between unions like UFCW1518, UBC Department of Sociology, human rights lawyers, and Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives to create Platform Labour Accord
FOOD FOR THE REST OF US
From a farm in Hawaii, to greenhouses in the Arctic, and one of the only female kosher butchers in the world, this film tells compelling stories about people who are using food to fight for a better world, despite a society that alienates us from that which nourishes and sustains us.
$32,000 raised at Good Pitch Vancouver
Coalition created of farms, farmers and educators to use this film to engage youth in food activism
THE MAGNITUDE OF ALL THINGS
A cinematic exploration of the emotional and psychological dimensions of climate change, this film weaves together two powerful stories of grief: the death of the filmmaker's sister and the tragic state of climate change, provoking viewers to find meaning - and meaningful action - in our troubled and changing world.
Climate grief workshops being organized internationally in co-operation with Good Grief Network, Canadian Mental Health Association, Australian activist organizations, etc