Latest posts from National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI)

Storytelling is more important than ever as we all face the unique challenges this year has brought us.

Stories entertain, inspire and transform. They remind us of where we come from and where we can go. We need more stories to free our imaginations and open our hearts to create a path of understanding and healing.

To mark the season of giving during December, we’re sharing impact stories from our alumni and board members to show the power of story in action.

Current NSI students are blessed by the commitment of NSI’s Board of Directors – 100% of whom have donated to NSI’s annual fund. Please join them in supporting our students by donating today and making the power of story even more powerful.

Today’s impact story comes from CBC New Indigenous Voices and NSI IndigiDocs grad, Erica Daniels.

Erica participated in the CBC New Indigenous Voices program in 2010 and is currently filming her NSI IndigiDocs film, Gift to Give. Her previous film Run As One: The Journey of the Front Runners won the inaugural Indigenous Film Award at the Manito Ahbee Festival. Today, she runs her own production company, Kejic Productions.

Erica says her training at NSI helped her get her foot in the door early on in her career, and NSI has supported and celebrated her successes ever since.

• • •

If you could describe your experience with NSI in three words what would they be, and why?

Educating, inspiring, motivating.

How did your training through NSI help you get to the place you’re at in your career today?

Early in my career, I was accepted into the CBC New Indigenous Voices program – an opportunity that introduced me to the film industry and connected me with inspiring filmmakers, industry professionals and other Indigenous creatives from across Canada.

For years, NSI has always kept in contact and followed my career and successes. They often referred my services to future clients across Canada. I’m very grateful to be part of the NSI family and for all the opportunities and encouragement they provide to each of their students.

How did your instructors, mentors and peers influence you to become a better storyteller?

I have learned so much from the instructors and mentors from both CBC New Indigenous Voices and NSI IndigiDocs. I continuously use the knowledge I learned from these programs in the work I am doing today.

What advice or encouragement would you give a prospective applicant considering NSI programs?

Take full advantage of these opportunities! Once you join the NSI family, they will always be standing behind you cheering you on throughout your career.

What has your career trajectory looked like between when you completed training and now?

When I first started in the NSI program I was 19 and just getting my foot in the door. Ten years later I run my own production company, Kejic Productions, full time and produce documentary films, corporate videos, and offer photography and graphic design.

What was the most transformative part of your learning experience?

The most transformative part of my learning experience was in NSI IndigiDocs and working with Shane Belcourt. I learned so much about storytelling that I will carry with me throughout my career.

What skills did you acquire in your course that you did not have before?

Early in my career when I joined CBC New Indigenous Voices I knew little about the film industry and NSI really gave me that introduction to all areas of production that I wasn’t aware of. It was such an amazing learning experience.

What project(s) are you currently working on?

Currently I am working on two short documentaries including my project Gift to Give which I am developing through the NSI IndigiDocs program. In addition to the short films, I am currently working on several corporate promotional videos with clients across the country.

Where can people find out more about your work online?

To learn more about my business Kejic Productions please visit my website or on Facebook.

The post Erica Daniels: once you join the NSI family, they will always be cheering you on appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).

Murmur, produced by Martha Cooley (NSI Drama Prize), won the award for best feature film at the Screen Nova Scotia awards.

Murmur, directed by award-winning writer/director/producer Heather Young, follows Donna – an alcoholic who is serving her community service in an animal shelter after being arrested for drunk driving. She becomes obsessed with saving the animals – particularly one elderly dog who is scheduled to be euthanized.

The film was funded by Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch program.

Screen Nova Scotia hosted its annual awards gala virtually on December 4.

The post Murmur, produced by Martha Cooley, wins best feature film at Screen Nova Scotia awards appeared first on National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI).