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Sylvia Sweeney, a towering figure in the world of arts and entertainment, is set to captivate the 2nd St. Kitts and Nevis Diaspora Conference as one of the distinguished guest speakers. Taking place from September 14 to 18, 2024, this highly anticipated event will feature Sweeney, whose remarkable achievements as a Canadian producer, director, and cultural visionary have earned her a place among the most influential personalities in the global creative industry.

A trailblazer in her own right, Sweeney is the founder of the International ArtsGames Committee (IAC) Inc., and serves as the Executive Producer at Elitha Peterson Productions Inc. Her illustrious career boasts over 150 films and documentaries, as well as international live events that have reshaped the landscape of television and filmed entertainment in Canada and beyond.

Sweeney’s contributions extend far beyond the screen. As the past Associate Dean of Film, Acting, and Media Productions at Humber College, she has nurtured the next generation of filmmakers and media professionals. Her leadership roles, including her tenure as Executive Producer at the National Film Board of Canada and Director at the Ontario Media Development Corporation, have left an indelible mark on Canada’s media landscape.

Notably, Sweeney played a pivotal role in the creation of the original film tax credit system, a groundbreaking initiative that transformed Toronto into “Hollywood North.” This innovative mechanism, which she helped launch as a member of the Ontario Media Development Corporation, has become a global model, enabling filmmakers worldwide to secure the budgets needed to bring their stories to life.

Sweeney’s passion for storytelling extends to the Caribbean, where she has tirelessly advocated for the development of film policies that would enable the region to share its rich cultural narratives with the world. Her commitment to bridging cultural divides through the power of the arts has earned her one of Canada’s highest honors—the Order of Canada—recognizing her unparalleled efforts to unite communities across the globe.

As she prepares to take the stage at the St. Kitts and Nevis Diaspora Conference, Sweeney is expected to share her profound insights on the power of arts and entertainment in shaping cultural identities and fostering global connections. Her presence at the conference is not just an honor for St. Kitts and Nevis, but a testament to her enduring legacy as a champion of creativity, innovation, and cultural diplomacy.

This September, Sylvia Sweeney will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Diaspora Conference, inspiring attendees with her extraordinary journey and her unwavering commitment to using the arts as a force for positive change.