Latest posts from National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI)

Graphic novel Son of Hitler from writer Anthony Del Col (NSI Totally Television) is included on CBC’s list of best Canadian comics 2018.

The book is written by Anthony and Geoff Moore, illustrated by Jeff McComsey and lettered by Jeff McClelland and Shawn Aldridge.

In the darkest days of World War II a female British spy handler discovers a rumor: that when Adolf Hitler was stationed in France during the First World War he fathered a child. Armed with stolen Nazi files, she goes rogue to find this son and recruit him for a mission to meet his biological father and kill him to end the war’s greatest threat.

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Life is not going as planned for David, who finds himself compelled to return to his childhood home and live with his Ma with whom his relationship is both strained and complicated.

Creative team

Writer/director: Gabriel Colome
Producers: Gabriel Colome, David Brigden

Filmmaker’s statement

Ma is a funny yet poignant story of a mother and son who have a strained relationship but come to recognize they need each other nonetheless.

The film, loosely autobiographical in nature, has a deep meaning and connection to my relationship with my own mother, a single parent and immigrant to Canada.

Producing this film, my debut, was challenging as I held the reins of producer, director, writer, lead actor and editor. I often found myself working well beyond my comfort zone.

I hope audiences will relate and reflect upon their own relationships with family.

About Gabriel Colome

Gabriel Colome, born and raised in Burnaby, British Columbia, is a filmmaker who holds two post-graduate diplomas in film, broadcast and media communications.

His diverse skill set includes directing, cinematography, producing, writing and video editing. Throughout his career, he has worked with clients, artists and production companies both locally and internationally.

Gabriel’s passion is telling stories through the art of filmmaking. He recently completed his debut short film Ma, and is currently developing his next short film Pink Elephant, and a feature film entitled Seasons. 

The post Ma appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).

Mean. Bored. Apathetic. Three teenagers with a dark secret waste the day away together.

Creative team

Writer/director: Sunny Mohajer
Producers: Jesse Copeland, Sunny Mohajer

Filmmaker’s statement

This is a darkly comedic take on the stereotypes of Generation Z. It explores the intergenerational divide, the stereotypes and the kids’ perspectives of their parents, who in their opinions have failed them, while the kids fail to acknowledge their own privilege and lack of perspective.

Every room in the house and the scene taking place in it represents a different issue the younger generation is facing and every room is dedicated to speaking to the hopes and dreams, or lack thereof, of one of the three.

About Sunny Mohajer

Discovering a love of stories and art at a young age led Sunny to pursue film in university, receiving a bachelor’s degree at Capilano University. Raised in the Pacific Northwest, she calls Vancouver home.

When she’s not busy reading Vonnegut, getting lost in the mountains or daydreaming about her next backpacking trip, she spends her days drinking too much coffee, writing and working on her passion projects.

The post So Far So Good appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).

A Canadian roller derby team competes at the first Junior Olympics Roller Derby event in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Creative team

Writer: Kurt Spenrath
Directors/producers: Kurt Spenrath, Frederick Kroetsch

Filmmaker’s statement

Junior roller derby was an eye-opening experience. It’s not a spectacle anymore – it’s a sport.

About Kurt Spenrath and Frederick Kroetsch

Frederick and Kurt have been making films for the past six years.

Their first documentary was called The Match and it’s about indie wrestling.

Since then they’ve made numerous short films, web series and documentaries that have screened all over the world.

The post As Real As It Gets: Growing Up Roller Derby appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).

A dysfunctional hardware store manager struggles to express his love for an employee.

Creative team

Writer: Clara Altimas
Director: Patrick Hodgson
Producers: Patrick Hodgson, Jerrica Madden, Clara Altimas, Michael Buchanan, Stephanie Brister

Filmmaker’s statement

It was over a random coffee meeting that my friend and fellow filmmaker Clara Altimas and I agreed we should work on a film together.

I pitched to her the idea of a quirky character piece where a struggle for power ensues. A few days later, she sent me the script for Walter. Of course, I loved it. It has become one of my favourite projects to date.

I owe immense gratitude to everyone who helped me bring it to life, but especially Matthew Gouveia and Allison Busner whose performances left us all gasping for air.

About Patrick Hodgson

Patrick is an independent filmmaker residing in Toronto who’s on a relentless journey to tell thought-provoking and entertaining stories.

He runs the boutique production company Kicking Tire Films and has produced and directed five award-winning shorts films, two of which have screened at Oscar-qualifying festivals.

He’s currently writing and developing two feature films.

The post Walter appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).