Blazing Trails and Building Cultural Bridges
Yesterday: aired on CBC Radio’s Trailbreakers www.cbc.ca/trailbreakers/ the story of award winning aboriginal producer, journalist and storyteller extraordinaire Lisa Meeches of Eagle Vision Inc. currently filming a feature production called We Were Children [http://www.onf-nfb.gc.ca/eng/press-room/index.php?id=20272] about Residential School Children in Canada.
Lisa’s words about her courageous career path, and the challenges she faced balancing and integrating her cultural past, as well as her family’s expectations, provide food for thought for all storytellers, regardless of their cultural background. Check out www.eaglevision.ca/bios.html for more on the company and their project. Inspirational!
Up and Coming Aboriginal Filmmaker wins accolades at Toronto Film Festival
Emily Carr College of Art + Design student Ippiksaut Friesen made waves with her project, the animated The Dimming, based on a tragic Inuit folk tale of the creation of the sun and the moon.
http://tiff.net/studentfilmshowcase/films/201105100040924
For other Female Filmmakers making headlines at the TIFF, read this link:
http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Film_Festivals/Toronto/2011/News/2011/09/17/18700791.html
Vancouver Women in Film Festival Films on Aboriginal Subjects to Watch
DANCE OF THE LITTLE OLD MEN; THE HEIST | 5:00 mins
2011, Canada, directed by Kulchera Matson
Under the guise of a traditional Mexican folk dance, a border town cowboy is secretly robbed of his treasure.
BLOODLAND | 4:10 mins
2011, Canada, directed by Elle-Maija Tailfeathers
Bloodland is a social statement on the irreversible and detrimental impact of gas and oil exploration on our planet; and in particular the impact that hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’ will have on Kainaiwa, or the Blood Reserve in Canada. This film was shot with a completely Indigenous cast and crew.
PARKDALE | 14:45 mins
2011, Canada, directed by Lisa Jackson
Over the course of a night, two sisters roam the inner-city streets of their neighbourhood as they try to escape another stint in the foster care system.