At the start of each term, film professor Alejandro Yoshizawa asks himself the same question.

“I see 20 faces, and I think to myself—what amazing and profound stories are going to come out of class this year?”

The Rogers Multicultural Program invites two artists or filmmakers—the Rogers Multicultural Teaching Fellow and the Phil Lind Multicultural Artist in Residence—to UBC to focus on a particular culture or multicultural community. The program has generated much interest in film production at UBC, directing attention to First Nations topics, Asian Canadian stories, and other untold perspectives via the films.

Since 2014, as the Rogers Multicultural Teaching Fellow in UBC’s Department of Theatre and Film, Prof. Yoshizawa has helped new generations of documentary filmmakers tell cultural and community stories through film.

Prof. Yoshizawa knows firsthand how crucial documentaries are to cultural memory. His first film was about his grandfather, interned with other Japanese Canadians during the second world war.

“A lot of Japanese Canadian work is still done to ensure we don’t forget,” says Prof. Yoshizawa. “My mother was born in an internment camp and wouldn’t have had the right to vote—which wasn’t that long ago.”

With the generous philanthropy of the late Phil Lind (BA’66, LLD’02), another position was created within the Rogers Multicultural Film Production Program—the Phil Lind Multicultural Artist in Residence. Since 2010, industry leaders have provided feedback to students with their film projects.

Last year UBC Department of Theatre and Film alum and documentarian Kat Jayme offered her expertise to student filmmakers. Born in Vancouver to Filipino parents, she stresses the importance of representation in cinema.

“I recognize the power of having a Filipino Canadian in front and behind the camera,” said Kat. “I always wondered what encouraging effect that would have had on me as a kid—being able to see myself represented more and more every day.”

Phil Lind’s visionary philanthropy—both personal and through his instrumental role in securing the gift from Rogers—has made it possible for filmmakers like Kat to provide powerful mentorship to future documentarians.

“I think programs like this are very empowering, and they make things in industries that seem so distant accessible,” said Kat. “I’ve connected with students who have sent me emails saying, ‘Kat, if you need any volunteers or help on set, please keep me in mind.’ It’s a way for them to get their foot in the door.”

Prof. Yoshizawa agrees.

“The donors for this program are creating valuable opportunities for these students—and they can be life-changing.” Prof. Yoshizawa adds, “I’m very privileged to share that opportunity with students making films about their identity, communities and history.”

Many students who undertake group documentary projects together—which can require long days and nights during film production—become close friends and lifelong colleagues in the industry.

“It’s really about making a lot of connections,” emphasizes Prof. Yoshizawa, “Both personal with our family histories and stories as Canadians—and as part of the UBC community.”

Reinforcing how essential collaboration and mentors are throughout a film career, Kat Jayme has her own story from her time as a UBC film production student.

“We were connected with someone in the industry, and I was lucky enough to get paired with Nimisha Mukerji (BA’06), who directed 65 Red Roses—one of many amazing award-winning films she’s made,” says Kat. “I feel I struck gold, and she’s been a mentor ever since.”

To witness the impact that donors can have, specifically in the Rogers Multicultural Film Production Program, Prof. Yoshizawa extends an invitation.

“Come to one of our year-end screenings and see for yourself!”