Creative Capital: Diversity in storytelling with Chelsea Winstanley and Courtney Mayhew

Creative Capital is a podcast from Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi about advocacy and systems change. Hosted by Elyssia Wilson-Heti (FAFSWAG), it explores the role that arts, culture and creativity play in Tāmaki Makaurau - with a focus on the people behind the work and their vision for the future.

Oscar nominated producer Chelsea Winstanley and Ahi Films co-founder Courtney Mayhew discuss innovative storytelling, diversity challenges in film distribution, navigating cancel-culture with love and joy. They explore a vision for a global future for diverse narratives in film, fostering cultural shifts, and sharing excitement about collaboration and problem-solving in the industry.

Episode themes:

•  Empowering filmmakers with control over their stories - from production to distribution - to preserve storytelling integrity.

• The delicate balance between commercial success and cultural impact.

• The radical nature of joy in storytelling and creating a future where stories travel widely, impacting diverse audiences.

• Empowering emerging film practitioners by providing opportunities for growth and expression.

Courtney Mayhew and Chelsea Winstanley are both founders of Ahi Films, an independent film distribution collective. With a focus on creative-led fresh storytelling, innovative ways to reach audiences and true collaboration, Ahi is a catalyst for filmmakers to partner with a distributor that is made for the future.

Chelsea is an Oscar nominated producer, an award-winning filmmaker and has been a producer, writer and director for the past two decades.

Courtney has worked in film and TV for the past 15 years in Aotearoa, Australia and abroad—from production through to distribution she has worked both in house for studios and consulted independently.