A Feature Documentary
by NOVA AMI and VELCROW RIPPER

85 Minutes ~ 2026
A Knowledge Original

As heat domes, atmospheric rivers and wildfires reshape our world, how do we protect what matters most? EMERGENCE: Women in the Storm, from award-winning filmmakers Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper, goes beyond the headlines to explore how women are navigating climate-based emergencies.

Recent disasters, including the wildfire that burned Lytton to the ground and the devastating floods in the Fraser Valley, are seen through the eyes of survivors, while emergency responders and community organizers provide perspectives on preparing for – and moving beyond – the worst. Meghan Fandrich’s reflective readings from Burning Sage: Poems from the Lytton Fire, written after losing her café to the blaze, are woven together with stories of healing, resilience and hope in the face of an uncertain future.

Intimate and beautifully crafted, the film offers insights on how to live in this new reality, finding ways to carry on without giving up.

SCREENINGS

Feb 11th ~ Victoria Film Festival
Victoria - Roxy Theatre
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Feb 12th ~ World Community Film Festival
Courtenay - Stan Hegan Theater
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Feb 21st ~ Hope - Almsgiving Hope Cinema
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Feb 25th ~ Vancouver Theatrical Launch
VIFF Centre Theatre
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Feb 27- Mar 1 ~ Saltspring Film Festival
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March 8th ~ Qathet International Film Festival
Qathet BC
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April 18th ~ Gibsons Heritage Theatre
Gibsons BC
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Victoria Film Festival

"With sensitivity and clear sense of purpose, award winning directors Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper add to their impressive body of documentary films."

David's Guide

"In a time when climate emergencies are no longer distant threats but lived realities, the powerful documentary Emergence: Women in the Storm arrives with urgency, compassion, and vision. "

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Knowledge Magazine

“Intimate and beautifully crafted, the film offers insights on how to live in this new reality, finding ways to carry on without giving up.”

CREDITS

Transparent Film in association with Knowledge Network Present

EMERGENCE: Women in the Storm

Written and Directed by NOVA AMI and VELCROW RIPPER

Producer NOVA AMI
Editor SARAH HEDAR
Cinematography and Sound Design VELCROW RIPPER

Composer MARY ANCHETA
Executive Producer PATRICE RAMSAY
Line Producer | Business Affairs PATTI POSKITT

Sound Mixer MAY GUIMARÃES

Poetry by MEGHAN FANDRICH
from “Burning Sage: Poems from the Lytton Fire” Caitlin Press 2023

A KNOWLEDGE ORIGINAL
Produced with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia Production Services Tax Credit, Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit

FEATURING

(in order of appearance)

MEGHAN FANDRICH
DIAN BROOKS
SARAH KAMAL
DR. LILY YUMAGULOVA
DR. COURTNEY HOWARD
DENISE O’CONNOR
SHONEENA LEE LOSS
TOMIKO ROBSON
SOPHIA GROGONO
DIANA WILSON
VICTORIA KUIT
ROSALITA WHITEHAIR
SHERI LYSONS
KAR-HEI NG
ROLYN POTTER
SANTANA DREAVER
MABEL NAHANEE
DR. MICHELLE SUPERLE
JEAN JAMES
JENNIFER BROWN
JASMINE SCHELL