We can’t talk enough about how much we admire Naomi Snieckus and all of the moves she’s making with the Firecracker Department. This empowering community of bold, creative women and non-binary folks is filling a much-needed space in the Canadian film, TV, and arts sphere.

Back in 2017, Naomi interviewed Canadian actor Melanie Scrofano, known for her incredible performances in Wynonna Earp, and Letterkenny, for an episode of the Firecracker Department’s podcast The Blaze Sessions. The conversation was electric, and this week the duo reunited for a heartfelt chat at SheDoesTheCity’s office ahead of the Firecracker Department TIFF Brunch. Hosted by Naomi, the annual brunch is an inclusive and energetic gathering of women and non-binary artists. This year, Jennifer Podemski and Annie Bradley will be honoured for their remarkable achievements and contributions to the arts community. 

Back at our office, the energy in the room was warm, uplifting, and energizing— a much-needed breather amidst the bustle of TIFF preparations. What unfolded was an honest and unfiltered conversation about all the things we care about: kickass women and non-binary artists, finding your voice in the arts, and seeking that elusive work-life balance.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Melanie and Naomi chatted about writing, comedy, acting—how they juggle all of their creative pursuits, and how they’re both trying to exercise their mistake-making muscles. The conversation drifted to representation and inclusion, and the biggest shifts they’ve seen for women, non-binary and queer artists. 

“For me, that was a great shift—when it was just part of our world instead of something that had to be examined or highlighted,” Naomi said.

Melanie, who is working on the script for her first feature, added: “I don’t think I have the authority to speak for everyone, but including more people in the process of writing gives voice to those characters to make them more authentic and grounded. It only makes the work deeper and truer and resonate with more people.” 

There was no better way for us to spend an afternoon—with a powerful group of women carving out their own paths in the arts, and uplifting each other along the way. Watch some of our favourite moments from this lovely conversation below.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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