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Indigenous Media Makers
What we do
Kin Theory, an initiative of imagineNATIVE, is a global Indigenous media makers database creating media connections that support narrative sovereignty and cultural vitality.
Our goal is to increase the visibility of Indigenous creatives, as well as to inspire future Indigenous artists and create opportunities for Indigenous narrative sovereignty. We invite Indigenous creatives to create a profile to highlight their works and access others working in the sector. We welcome non-Indigenous allies, whether in the screen industry or not, to explore our resources, learn about the work of Indigenous creatives, and connect to our members for projects.
Kin Theory was founded by Nia Tero, under the direction and guidance of Tracy Rector and Michelle Hurtubise in June 2019, as a shared dream to spotlight, advance opportunities, and enhance a sense of global community for Indigenous creatives. The database was supported for many years by a team of dedicated Indigenous and non-Indigenous media professionals, including Jessica Ramirez, Julie Keck, Eleni Ledesma, outreach coordinators Loren Waters, Victoria Cheyenne, and many others. These dedicated individuals created the first iteration of the Kin Theory website, the first Kin Theory event in February 2021, and the unveiling of the database in February 2022.
In 2024 Nia Tero announced that they would be gifting Kin Theory to imagineNATIVE, the world’s largest presenter of Indigenous-made media. imagineNATIVE offers year-round screenings of Indigenous media works and professional development opportunities for Indigenous creatives, in addition to the annual imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival which featured film, video, audio, digital media, and exhibition works each year. We at imagineNATIVE are honoured to take on Kin Theory and to continue its vibrant legacy of empowering Indigenous creatives and strengthening the community.
Kin Theory was founded by Nia Tero, under the direction and guidance of Tracy Rector and Michelle Hurtubise in June 2019, as a shared dream to spotlight, advance opportunities, and enhance a sense of global community for Indigenous creatives. The database was supported for many years by a team of dedicated Indigenous and non-Indigenous media professionals, including Jessica Ramirez, Julie Keck, Eleni Ledesma, outreach coordinators Loren Waters, Victoria Cheyenne, and many others. These dedicated individuals created the first iteration of the Kin Theory website, the first Kin Theory event in February 2021, and the unveiling of the database in February 2022.
In 2024 Nia Tero announced that they would be gifting Kin Theory to imagineNATIVE, the world’s largest presenter of Indigenous-made media. imagineNATIVE offers year-round screenings of Indigenous media works and professional development opportunities for Indigenous creatives, in addition to the annual imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival which featured film, video, audio, digital media, and exhibition works each year. We at imagineNATIVE are honoured to take on Kin Theory and to continue its vibrant legacy of empowering Indigenous creatives and strengthening the community.
