With a career that has spanned across Canada in a decade, Joelle Tomlinson began her journey into the world of media and journalism in Toronto where she graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson). She then started her career in Saskatchewan, where she is originally from, and also interned on the West Coast in Vancouver. Eventually, she was noticed by CTV in Calgary. 

It was during her time at Toronto Metropolitan University that she discovered her talent and passion for television and broadcasting. As it's quite rare for freshmen students to be comfortable in front of the camera, a professor noticed her ease and natural flow both behind and in front of the camera and encouraged her to hone in on that. 

With a well rounded education and early career experience under her belt, Joelle has moved forward to become one of Calgary's most beloved morning news anchors. When asked about whether she prefers the early morning stints to the dinner show or the late night news, Tomlinson comments on the morning being a special time that allows for a slower pace. She discusses how the mornings offer a wider focus into the not-so-serious parts of life that the primetime hour news slots just don't have the time for. Mornings also provide more room to program segments for connecting with and showcasing people in the community, according to Tomlinson. 

As for the Calgary Black film Fest, Tomlinson is excited to finally be back networking with her community after two years with no in-person guests or events. She is also excited to be a part of something so dynamic that is still in its infancy. She looks forward to meeting and reconnecting with people in the arts and media in Calgary, as her true passion and driving force behind her work as a broadcaster and journalist lies in connecting with others and being an active part of her community.

Catch Joelle Tomlinson at this year’s Calgary Black Film Festival Black Market. Tomlinson will be a panelist at the event titled NETWORKING: The How To Rules for Approaching People in the Industry. Learn more at https://calgaryblackfilm.com/