Latest posts from National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI)

Vancouver International Women in Film Festival (VIWFF) happens March 5 to 10 and several films from NSI grads will screen:

• Biidaaban (The Dawn Comes) by Amanda Strong (NSI IndigiDocs) screens with opening night feature Warrior Women

• Nîsowak by Petie Chalifoux and Micheal Auger (both NSI IndigiDocs) screens in A Fighting Chance short film program

• Dear Hatetts by Kerry Barber (CBC New Indigenous Voices) screens in the Perseverance Furthers short film program

• Laundry Day (pictured) by JJ Neepin (NSI IndigiDocs) and Justina Neepin (CBC New Indigenous Voices, NSI IndigiDocs) screens in the Dreams and Unveilings short film program

• Biidaaban: First Light by Lisa Jackson (Featuring Aboriginal Stories Program) will be shown as part of the fest’s virtual reality programming

The post Films from NSI grads screen at Vancouver International Women in Film Festival 2019 appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).

Are you thinking about applying for CBC New Indigenous Voices presented by NSI? We recently talked to some of our program alumni to get their thoughts on how the program changed their careers and why they think you should apply.

Grad Andy Lown had lots of thoughts to share about how the course made a positive impact on his life and career.

What were your expectations for CBC New Indigenous Voices going into it? Did these change over the course of the program?

I didn’t know what to expect, to be honest. I left my job and home in Fort Erie, ON with hopes and dreams, and the course delivered. Every week brought something new and challenging.

I can’t say enough good things about Lisa Meeches, Ursula Lawson and Kaya Wheeler and the staff at NSI – they set you up for success. The quality of workshops and industry professionals you get experience with is unparalleled. Everyone at NSI wants you to succeed.

Do you have any tips or advice for folks thinking of applying to the course?

• Apply! Take the time and follow your dreams. I never thought in a million years I would be accepted, and now here I am telling you about it.

• Start thinking of great stories to tell because, if you are selected, you get to create a short film from start to finish. These films have the potential to be seen by a lot of people, which can create more opportunities for you.

• Get ready to work hard. From in class to on-set, everyone will notice if you put the work in, and [with the industry connections you’re making] that can lead to future gigs.

• Have fun! Get to know your classmates, the staff at NSI and the industry professionals that teach you.

Why would you recommend CBC New Indigenous Voices?

Spending a summer in Winnipeg learning, filming and being an intern on an APTN television show was a dream come true. The program also included Indigenous knowledge and traditions, which are essential for an Indigenous filmmaker.

The program and people gave me a true sense of community. To this day I still talk to my classmates who I consider my family (shout out to #ginskids and #teamjaa, our social media hashtags).

I’m actually flying to Winnipeg next week to see everyone. It was a truly unforgettable and life-changing experience. Since graduating I’ve been to the LA Skins Fest, imagineNATIVE, and I’m currently working on multiple film projects. None of this would be possible without the CBC New Indigenous Voices program.

• • •

Register for the free Q+A webinar on Tuesday, March 5 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Central Time.

Apply for CBC New Indigenous Voices by March 21, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. 

CBC New Indigenous Voices is funded by Title, Presenting and Tuition Sponsor CBC; Program Partners Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage, the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD) and Telefilm Canada; Supporting Sponsors Corus Entertainment and Breakthrough Entertainment; Provincial Sponsor Manitoba Film & Music; Industry Partner the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC); Industry Supporters IATSE Local 856 and imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival; and Service Sponsor William F. White. NSI Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council. Additional partners to be confirmed.

The post Andy Lown on how CBC New Indigenous Voices offers opportunities for success appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).