Edmonton filmmaker brings history to life through award-winning project

by Tammy Vineberg

(Edmonton) – When Josh Miller first heard the story that would become The Speech, it stayed with him.

Decades later, the Edmonton filmmaker is bringing that story to life – and earning recognition as the 2026 recipient of the Earl Parker Award.

The project at the centre of his work, The Speech, is an animated short inspired by a true historical incident involving Theodore Roosevelt in 1895, when he served as New York City’s police commissioner. The film explores how Roosevelt responded to an antisemitic orator, using humour to challenge hatred while maintaining public order.

For Josh, the power of the story lies in how it communicates a serious message in an unexpected way. “It entertains you; it makes you laugh. But also shows the absurdity of antisemitic tropes,” says Josh.

That approach reflects his long-standing passion for storytelling. Growing up in Edmonton, Josh initially pursued music before discovering film. What drew him in was not only the creative side, but the collaborative nature of the industry.

Over time, that interest evolved into a career that took him from the University of Alberta to New York University, and eventually to Los Angeles, where he worked in television and film before returning to Canada to build projects closer to home. Along the way, he developed a deep appreciation for filmmaking as a collective process.

Throughout his career, he has written, produced and developed projects across genres, eventually founding his own production company and contributing to the growth of Edmonton’s screen industry.

His connection to the Jewish community also runs deep. Josh served on the board of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton and helped revive the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival at a critical moment, bringing together volunteers and audiences to relaunch the event.

The spirit of collaboration continues to shape The Speech, which blends history and creativity through an animation style inspired by political cartoons of the late 19th century. The story itself uses satire to confront bigotry, a choice that feels particularly relevant in today’s climate.

“Bad ideas can be discredited by laughing at them,” Josh says.

The project has also begun to attract notable talent. Actor Elliott Gould, known for a decades-long film and television career, has joined the project to voice the character of an elderly rabbi – an opportunity that came together quickly once he read the script.

“He read it and said, ‘I absolutely want to be involved’,” says Josh.

The recording has already taken place, with Gould completing his voice performance remotely with the creative team.

“He did a fantastic job in bringing the character to life,” Josh says.

For Josh, Gould’s involvement is more than a casting milestone – it represents an endorsement for the film as it moves toward production.

“These are all things that are now creating a momentum for us,” he says.

This sense of momentum is matched by a deeper urgency.

“I felt with the situation as it is today, we all have to do whatever we can,” Josh says.

As antisemitism rises globally, he sees the film as one way to respond using the tools he knows best.

For Josh, The Speech is just one contribution to a broader Jewish community effort to confront hatred, but an important one.

“With what’s going on in the world… this is just sort of one piece of that wider effort,” he says.

The Earl Parker Award, presented through the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival, provides both recognition and endorsement for that work. While the financial support is modest, the impact goes beyond the dollar amount.

“It’s validation… both for the filmmaker and for the project,” Josh says.

That support is especially meaningful at this stage, as Miller and his collaborators work to secure funding and advance production on the animated film.

“The prestige of getting the award… will assist us to be able to realize it,” he says.

While the timeline remains dependent on financing, the goal is clear: to complete a high-quality project that will reach audiences through festivals and beyond, sparking conversation and reflection.

For the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, Josh’s work shows how visual storytelling can engage audiences, challenge ideas and move people to act. Through The Speech, a moment from history becomes a lens for the present – and a reminder that confronting hate can take many forms.

In Josh’s case, it starts with adapting a true story – and the decision to use it the visual medium to make a difference.

Tammy Vineberg is Director of Marketing and Communications at Jewish Federation of Edmonton.