Latest posts from National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI)

Brad Pelman: NSI’s impact can be seen throughout the industry

Posted: 16 Dec 2020 08:12 AM PST

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 the vice-chair of the NSI Board of Directors, Brad Pelman.

Brad is a senior content distribution specialist with over 23 years experience in Canada. He has been a board member since 2009 and currently serves as vice-chair.

Brad marvels at the work and success of NSI alumni, and notes the important work NSI has done in collaboration with Indigenous storytellers.

• • •

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

Collaborate, underrated, inspired.

NSI’s output is impressive given their lack of resources. It’s only a matter of time before NSI really hits its stride and is recognized worldwide for its processes and achievements.

Why did you decide to serve on the board of directors?

Many other boards serving creative industries had support from government and corporations that dwarfed NSI. The decision to serve this board was to provide the most impact for my time and effort.

Why is it worthwhile to support NSI?

This is an organization of peers. The faculty and programming is driven by industry need and versatile to provide programming that meets the needs of changing industry conditions.

How do you think NSI has helped shape the Canadian film and television communities?

When you look at the alumni you marvel at their work; the impact is everywhere.

NSI contributes to the collaborative creative experience that Canadian stories tell. NSI has successfully identified creators from all communities and has made huge impacts on Indigenous storytellers and providing access to mentorship and markets.

What memory of NSI and our community has inspired you?

All social events where alumni and new participants get to mingle provide great conversation and inspiration.

What project / initiative are you currently working on?

To be announced at a later date, but exciting!

What is your favourite Canadian film / TV show / web series?

I’m currently watching Enslaved and War of the Worlds, both on CBC Gem.

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Focal Point: Tonya Williams becomes Wow! Unlimited Media’s newest board member

Posted: 15 Dec 2020 12:09 PM PST

At the National Screen Institute, we’re thrilled to celebrate our alumni and their accomplishments. Through this new segment, Focal Point, we aim to highlight the significant milestones our alumni achieve in their projects and careers.

Congratulations to Tonya Williams (NSI Global Marketing), the newest member of Wow! Unlimited Media‘s Board of Directors.

Wow! Unlimited Media focuses on youth entertainment on digital platforms. Tonya told Playback, in her new role as board member, she wants to focus on diversity and inclusion within animation.

Tonya is the founder and executive director of Reelworld Film Festival and Reelworld Screen Institute.

Earlier this year, Reelworld launched Access Reelworld – a new hiring database aimed at increasing employment opportunities for underrepresented people in the industry. Tonya believes this database will continue the work Reelworld has done to be a voice for change.

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êmîcêtôcêt: Many Bloodlines, developed through NSI IndigiDocs, named a TIFF Top Ten Short of 2020

Posted: 15 Dec 2020 12:04 PM PST

Short documentary êmîcêtôcêt: Many Bloodlines, directed by Theola Ross and produced by Alex Bailey, has been named one of Canada’s Top Ten Shorts of 2020 by Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

The film was developed through the National Screen Institute’s IndigiDocs program which provides customized training for Indigenous filmmakers who have an idea for a 10-minute documentary film. Applications are currently being accepted for the program until December 28, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. ET. Find out more and apply. Twenty-eight films have been produced through NSI IndigiDocs.

In êmîcêtôcêt: Many Bloodlines, a Cree filmmaker and her white partner document their pregnancy and journey to parenthood. From the search for an Indigenous donor and midwife to their concerns about raising a child as an interracial queer couple, the joy of having a child together gives them the courage to overcome any obstacle.

The film began its festival run earlier this year and was celebrated across North America. Theola and Alex received the Betty Youson Award for Best Canadian Short Documentary at Hot Docs, Jury Choice Top Short Film at Reel Pride Film Festival and the Documentary Work Short Format Award at imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival.

“This is very exciting for Theola and Alex. Every year, students work incredibly hard on their films to bring their stories to the screen – and Theola and Alex did exactly that,” said Kaya Wheeler, program manager for NSI IndigiDocs. “I’m so proud to see their commitment and dedication recognized. They created a beautiful film.”

TIFF’s list acknowledges the hardships this year brought – but filmmakers persisted and created exceptional work in the process. TIFF notes êmîcêtôcêt: Many Bloodlines as a film about fighting for one’s independence and place in the world.

Other alumni top TIFF’s Top Ten Features list, including award-winning film Inconvenient Indian directed by Michelle Latimer (NSI Drama Prize), and Beans, directed by TIFF Emerging Talent Award winner Tracey Deer (NSI Storytellers, Featuring Aboriginal Stories Program).

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NSI IndigiDocs is funded by Program Partners APTN, Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage, RBC Emerging Artists Project; Indigenous Training Programs Partner Directors Guild of Canada (DGC); Boot Camp Presenting Sponsor Manitoba Film & Music; Strategic Sponsor documentary Channel; Supporting Sponsors Telefilm Canada, Super Channel, CBC Gem, Corus Entertainment, A&E Television Networks; Provincial Sponsors Manitoba Film & Music, Creative Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA), Northwest Territories Film Commission, Creative BC through the Daryl Duke and William Vince Scholarship Fund; Industry Partner the National Film Board of Canada; Industry Supporters imagineNATIVE Film & Media Arts Festival, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, Service Sponsors Line 21 Media, iSplice Films. NSI Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.

About the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI)

The National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) is a charitable, not-for-profit organization. Renowned for having given many content creators their first breaks, NSI provides customized training, mentorship and production support through courses like NSI Business for Producers, NSI Totally Television, CBC New Indigenous Voices presented by NSI, NSI Features First, NSI IndigiDocs, NSI New Northern Voices and TELUS STORYHIVE.

All media enquiries

Rachel Young, Alumni Outreach Coordinator

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