FOFS 2026
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FOFS 2026 *
More Than a Game: Queer Storytelling in Slo Pitch and Beyond
Co-Presented by Shaftesbury Inc.
What makes a comedy series resonate with audiences long after the credits roll? For Slo Pitch, it’s the perfect blend of sharp humour, heartfelt storytelling, authentic queer identity, and a deep sense of community.
This panel gathers the creators, cast, and crew behind the groundbreaking Canadian comedy series to dive into how Slo Pitch was developed and produced within Canada’s dynamic television landscape. From fostering queer representation and ensemble-driven narratives to navigating indie production challenges and building a dedicated audience, the discussion will unpack the creative vision and logistical realities behind bringing an original Canadian comedy to life.
We’ll also explore why investing in distinctly Canadian stories matter – how series like Slo Pitch carve out space for underrepresented voices while achieving both commercial success and cultural significance.
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Moderated by Devki Patel (Industry Series Producer, FOFS)
Devki Patel is a filmmaker & actor from Fort McMurray, AB now based in Toronto & NYC. Her films focus on intimate relationships that reflect universal themes. Devki believes that at the heart of storytelling is the ability to create positive change, aiming to achieve this across her creative work. She often incorporates elements of her Indian heritage in the narratives and characters she constructs, hoping to increase the visibility of South Asian representation and experiences on-screen.
Her short film Thand (2023) was an Official Selection at the International Film Festival of South Asia and is available to stream on CBC Gem. Sweetgrass Rings, which she produced and shot, had its world premiere at imagineNATIVE, and is now available on all Air Canada flights.
Devki holds a BFA Honours in Film Production and Psychology from York University, and an MPH in Sociomedical Sciences & Health Communication from Columbia University. As the Industry Series Producer at the Future of Film Showcase, Devki delivers distinctive industry programming that fosters opportunities and networking for emerging filmmakers, with an emphasis on uplifting underrepresented communities.
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Gwenlyn Cumyn (Actor & Executive Producer, Slo Pitch)
Gwenlyn Cumyn is a writer, actor, and producer based in Toronto. She wrote, produced, and co-directed the CBC Gem series, HOMESCHOOLED (Austin Film Festival), inspired by her childhood experiences. In 2024, cameras rolled on Gwenlyn’s latest horror feature, TURN IT UP (Cannes Frontieres 2025), and she produced the MVP Prism Prize-winning music video, Every Time We Turn A Corner. In the short film space, Gwenlyn has written, directed, and/or acted in several notable works, including THE FATES (TIFF x Instagram), CONS AND PROS (Telefilm/Cannes Not Short on Talent), WE USED TO BURY THEM (World of Film), and the puppet-based film, MOTHBALLS (Sitges Film Festival, 2025). Gwenlyn is a 2024 CFC Acting Conservatory alum.
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Karen Knox (Actor & Executive Producer, Slo Pitch)
Karen Knox is an actor, writer, and director whose films have played TIFF, Slamdance, BFI Flare, Austin, Atlanta, Inside Out and more. Her work has been nominated for multiple Canadian Screen Awards. She is the showrunner of and stars in Crave’s upcoming 10-part half-hour comedy SLO PITCH. Knox’s feature directing credits include WE FORGOT TO BREAK UP (winner DGC Best Director 2024) ADULT ADOPTION (Globe & Mail Best films 2022), and the erotic thriller TWIN LIES (Tubi). Knox's short film THE YEAR OF STARING AT NOSES which she wrote/directed and stars in premiered at SLAMDANCE 2024 and was shortlisted for VIMEO STAFF PICKS’ best film of 2024. Knox is a CSA nominated actor best known for her work playing the villain on the reboot of WYNONNA EARP (CSA Best Supporting Actress), as well as appearances in her own work including the series SLO PITCH. She has served as the showrunner for HOMESCHOOLED (CBC), BARBELLE and the original digital series SLO PITCH (IFC/AMC+) for multiple seasons. Knox’s short films include THE FATES (TIFF), BORDERLINE (Dances With Films), THE COMICS (Miami Film Festival) and CONS & PROS which debuted on VICE.com selected for the Telefilm Not Short on Talent Cannes 2020 edition. Knox’s television writing credits include FOR THE RECORD (CBC + Universal Music), HOMESCHOOLED (CBC + Portfolio Entertainment) and SLO PITCH (IFC/AMC+).
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Rachel Goldstein-Couto (Head of Development - Original Programming, Bell Media)
