Steven and Peter both developed their films through NSI IndigiDocs in 2020 – a program offering customized training for Indigenous filmmakers who have an idea for a 10-minute documentary film. Participants are paired with leading industry mentors to assist in the development and production of their film projects.
“NSI IndigiDocs was very supportive of my project and helped guide me through the process of producing it,” says Peter Brass. “Through the program, I was able to work with Shane Belcourt, Michelle St. John as well as many other experienced people, without whom Indigenous Dads would not be what it is today.”
Steven and Peter entered the program with concrete ideas for their films. Through mentorship, workshops and hands-on training, NSI IndigiDocs faculty guided them as they turned their ideas into reality.
“Steven and Peter created two heartfelt, honest documentaries that audiences will remember long after they leave the theatre,” says Elise Swerhone, NSI IndigiDocs 2020 co-program manager. “These films not only speak to their practical skills as filmmakers, but also to their skills as storytellers.”
Both films are part of the VIFF Short Forum: Programme 3, and will make their theatrical world premiere on October 6 at 8:45 p.m. and October 7 at 4 p.m. at the Annex. The films are streaming across Canada through the VIFF website until October 11.
Stay tuned to hear about more NSI IndigiDocs films premiering at upcoming festivals!
ƛaʔuukʷiatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Dugout Canoe | Written, directed and produced by Steven Davies
After working as a clearcut logger in the Clayoquot Sound, master carver and land defender Joe Martin reconciles his past by revitalizing the ancestral knowledge and artistic practice of the traditional Tla-o-qui-aht dugout canoe.
About the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI)
Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, the National Screen Institute supports creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories. Through industry-informed training and mentoring in film, television and digital media, students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.
The National Screen Institute is committed to training participants from a diverse community of voices including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women-identifying, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres, those from regional and remote areas and various religious groups.
The dystopian sci-fi series follows a misgendered young android who goes on the run with a broken-hearted medic in order to escape deactivation, find asylum in an underground society and return to free others like her. It’s a love story about fears of the unknown, opening one’s heart and acceptance.
Matt and his team received funding through CBC and the Independent Production Fund during these early stages and they are looking to take the series into production.
The Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) is now accepting applications for their new funding programs, the Story Fund and Sector Development program. ISO has also announced a new deadline for their annual fund, Netflix Indigenous Production Apprenticeships and Cultural Mentorships Grant.
The Story Fund
Supports creators in the development and production of Indigenous-made content, as well as enhanced support for post-production, marketing and distribution
Netflix Indigenous Production Apprenticeships and Cultural Mentorships Grant
Provides funding to support training, professional development and culturally specific approaches for Indigenous on-screen content creators.
Two funding streams available:
Production apprenticeships: support new opportunities for hands-on training and career progression for Indigenous creatives who want to take their careers to the next level.
Cultural mentorships: provides opportunities for Indigenous producers, directors and writers to engage in cultural mentorship, community engagement, cultural learning and protocols work during the development and pre-development phases of their projects.
