THE MEDICINE WHEEL BCTV - (a secret look at native spirituality - 25 min.) Written by Renae Morriseau - An emotional story of First Nations spirituality told in the first person by a Cree woman. Visually moving segments highlight the Sweat Lodge and Pipe Ceremonies as she explores the timelessness and the meaning of the Wheel that may be at the center of native spirituality. The viewer learns, as our host learns, the significance of one's own personal spiritual journey through life and of brotherhood and sisterhood through the "teachings" within the Medicine Wheel. A must-see for all audiences. Broadcast: CTV Television - AWARD - Can Pro Silver Medal, Best Documentary - N.A.J.A. - ($99.00)
WHOSE LAND IS THIS? GLOBAL TV - (who owns our land? - 45 min.) Written by Renae Morriseau with Richard Hersley (story editor) - This exciting, fast paced one hour documentary about First Nations' historical and contemporary relationship to the Provincial and Canadian governments in settling the land question in Canada. As historical reenacted segments document the "truth" of settlement and treaties in Canada, modern candid moments with the Provincial and Federal governments and many prominent First Nations highlight emotional and political perspectives on the land question in Canada. An upbeat and emotionally moving and informative documentary for all audiences. Broadcast: Global TV. - AWARD - Official Selection: American Indian Film Festival. ($149.00)
MAKING TREATIES GLOBAL TV - (on the making of our modern Indian treaties- 45 min.) Written by Greg Coyes and Richard Hersley -The program presents an emotional and personal approach to the outcomes of the modern treaty process in Canada. Profiles on First Nations blend with input from resource developers and governments as the program weaves our tale of land ownership and forecasts our economic future. By presenting a balanced perspective (native and nonnative alike) on land claims and by educating a concerned public we may begin to build the very needed bridges and the honest dialogue that must exist for all societies to coexist in unison in Canadian society and to reach a just and needed agreement on our land and, ultimately, our future. The program is a must-see for all audiences. Broadcast: Global Television. ($149.00)
NATIVE WOMEN: POLITICS GLOBAL TV - (on the changing roles of Native Women in their communities - 25 min.) Written by Renae Morriseau (with Richard Hersley story editor) - An emotionally moving and upbeat program that gives voice to some of our finest Aboriginal women. Historical segments in the program contrast the traditional equality of power, male to female within native communities, versus the regression in the roles and power of First Nations women in Canada under European dominance. We hear the voices of strong women "leaders" on how they view the rebuilding of balanced self-government within their community in the future. The Indian Act and Bill C31 are examined to highlight their effect on First Nations women. Broadcast: Global Television - AWARD - Best Documentary, Native American Journalists Assoc. ($99.00)
FIRST NATIONS ROLE MODELS BCTV - (profiling four inspirational native leaders - 25 min.) Written by Dale Montour, Richard Hersley and Renae Morriseau - A publisher, an educator, a Metis political leader and a fisher woman / filmmaker are profiled in this unique examination of prominent First Nations people. As we travel from community to community we discover a variety of First Nations "communication" of philosophy and ideals and we discover Role Models for First Nations everywhere. A great and inspirational program for young and old. Broadcast: CTV Television - AWARD - Certificate of Honor, American Indian Film Festival. ($99.00)
LIVING IN TWO WORLDS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK - Written in collaboration - This is perhaps one of the best documentaries available on how native people see themselves - their past, present and their future. Young native people explore the meaning of being a native in a modern world while traditional elders highlight the past and the meaning of being managers of the land. This very moving and likeable film is a must see for all who want to catch a candid glimpse of native people as they really see themselves and as they struggle to maintain their identity as they live in two worlds - the old and the new. 20 minutes ($99.00)
RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS Written in collaboration - This inspiration and very emotionally moving program looks at the “other side” of the Residential Schools experience. As many First Nations “survivors” share their stories we come face to face with the fear, confusion and sometimes-hurtful experience that were the Residential Schools. Seen from a First Nations perspective we come to realize just what effect these schools have really had on First Nations people then and now! And we start to realize some of the healing that has begun as a result of finally facing the truth about these schools. A must see for all audiences! (25 min - $99.00)
VANISHING LINK
A personal journey to her native roots - 60 min. - Written by Donna Rowell - Drama - A very personal and emotionally moving program about one woman's "return" to her spiritual roots and native identity. As this exciting story unfolds through the woman's direct experiences the viewer follows her journey and so travels deeper into her "return". Woven together with riveting stories from Elders brought to life through stirring traditional art, dances, songs, and crafts. Vanishing Link explores native spirituality through the oral traditions of tribal elders while following a unique spiritual quest. The program is a must-see for all audiences. ($149.00)
BEAT OF THE DRUM
BCTV - (profiling four upbeat native musicians - 25 min.) Written in collaboration - The drum is the heartbeat of mother earth; to beat the drum is to match the heartbeat. As we sing our songs to the drum we "talk to the spirits". From rock and roll to electronic to traditional music. An upbeat, fast-paced program as four "high profile" Canadian First Nations musical performers and songwriters are profiled. A great fast moving program for all audiences - from 12 and up. Broadcast: CTV Television - AWARD - Official Entry, Native American Journalists Assoc. ($99.00)
KINJA IAKAHA A day in the village (40 mins.) FROM BRAZIL! Written by Vincent Carelli - A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TRADITIONAL INDIAN VILLAGE in the Amazon, Brazil! As good as it gets! This one is great! Find yourself in a a normal day in the village as the traditional native people prepare food, hunt, fish and build shelter from the rain. The color and the antics of the happy people as they just go through their lives is like going back to a time of simplicity and community joy - the way it was. The program is rich with village culture and activities - from simple farming to school to traditional dance - colorful images and joyful emotions prevail as the villagers enjoy their community. The program is a must-see for all audiences to experience real life in a traditional Amazon Indian village. ($149.00)
RECLAIMING OUR CHILDREN Written and Created by the Aboriginal Peoples Family Accord - 20 min. - About 45% of the children in care are First Nations - why is this and what are we doing about it? A tremendous amount of positive energy has been generated around this issue as we are really talking about the future generations and the importance of working together to make sure children have better lives. The program explores the truth about First Nations children in care and suggests new ways of seeing the difficulties that we face. An inspirational and moving program for all audiences - from 12 and up. ($99.00)
INDIANER
Written by Howie Summers - Indianer means native person in German. In Germany there is a group of people that hold Indian PowWows, that sing tradition Indian songs and that dance as traditional North American people. This is the greatest honor these people could show native people. That they believe in us so much they are willing to copy our culture and “be” us. This group of people in Germany is growing larger every year. This unique and very different program is suitable for anyone interested in just how our native culture is accepted and honored in Europe. 20 Minutes ($99.00)
SLEEPDANCER DRAMA - INDEPENDENT - (90 min.) Written by Rodrick Pocowatchat - Sleepdancer follows Derek Smith (Mark Wells), a half-Native American coroner's investigator, as he stumbles upon the mysterious Tommy Jordan (Rodrick Pocowatchit), a Native man whose father has just passed away. Tommy is vulnerable and doesn't speak. Through a series of letters, Derek unravels Tommy's story, and becomes infatuated with helping him while his own relationship crumbles. Sleepdancer is about love, loss and fractured family. Great for all audiences. - ($149.00)
SELECT AWARDS - OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2007 Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee, 2006 First Nations Film & VIdeo Festival, Chicago, 2006 Sami Intl. Film Festival, Norway, 2006 Comanche Nation Film Festival, OK, 2006 Native Voice Film Festival, Rapid City, S.D., 2005 AMERICAN INDIAN MOTION PICTURE AWARD NOMINATIONS
ECHOES OF THE SISTERS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK - Written by Renae Morriseau - Emotional inspiration on breast cancer and native women - 25 min. - Breast cancer exists and is growing at an alarming rate in North America and breast cancer in First Nations communities is no different. First Nations women are not getting examined regularly by doctors because they either do not trust the process or it is not available to them. There is new hope though, that through education, all women will replace feelings of confusion with knowledge of modern breast cancer awareness and procedures. This video acts as a emotional resource in this important fight against breast cancer and may help to save lives for all our sisters for generations to come and is suitable for audiences 13 and up. AWARD - Best Public Service Documentary, American Indian Film Festival
(available from the First Nations Breast Cancer Society)
SO FAR FROM HOME- (in production)
Two First Nations homeless youth search for the meaning of their home.
THE CIRCLES OF LIFE - The Medicine Wheel 2– (in production)
Exciting personal insight into the ancient stone circles in Canada and beyond!
TOTEM POLES- (in production)
An exciting, visually beautiful film on the depth and meaning of the totem poles of the west coast - then and now.
BOUNDARIES– (in production)
Analyzing the Indian “business” in Canada
FIRST NATIONS FILMS through Motion Visual creates award-winning television documentary films for, by and about Indigenous people. Our exclusive programs are distributed to broadcasters, schools, libraries, universities and other individuals and institutions throughout the world.
