FPCC’s 2021 Arts Infrastructure Program recipient, Marie Clements, was assisted in mentoring an emerging filmmaker in B.C.
Bones of Crows, the Indigenous-made Canadian feature film which has been making waves throughout its media tour, successfully premiered in June thanks in part to an arts grant through FPCC’s Arts Infrastructure Program.
Marie Clements has long been a storyteller, giving voice to Indigenous stories that have historically been silenced. “Cinematically, Indigenous peoples are meant to feel that we were not really here, not part of a shared history, never modern in the context of time and place,” she says.
Marie, a Métis/Dene woman originally from Vancouver, is the driving force behind the new film, Bones of Crows. During filming, she was determined to make sure the film’s space “supports Indigenous creators having a seat at the table,” helping to pave the way for others in the community.
“Artistically, my hope is to execute an unapologetic vision, a cinematic experience that is second to none,” she says in her director’s statement. “We are committed to bringing together the brightest minds and strongest hearts – leading Indigenous artists and actors, with leading non-Indigenous artists and actors – to tell a shared story that is uniquely Canadian, undeniably Indigenous and universally human.”
And the grant did just that, supporting Marie to mentor Kerriann Cardinal, a Vancouver-based Indigenous storyteller and theatre artist, who was associate producer on the film.
The experience acted as a catalyst for Kerriann’s own professional development in the field.
“I knew that when I took on this role it would open a lot of doors,” says Kerriann. “I was going to learn a lot and deepen the confidence in myself so that I feel like I could go on to do other projects.”
The grant supporting Keriann’s internship proved to be a powerful experience. “I could turn around and look anywhere and see Indigenous people in all different roles and levels,” she says.
“Even though we all come from different backgrounds – just understanding of how significant that is – [knowing] that we are all playing this part being of service [to the community].”
Kerriann has since gone on to co-produce a series for APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) and started her own production company to support the development of a documentary for Knowledge Network.
FPCC is proud to have supported Bones of Crows through the Arts Administrator Internship grant, one of the program options through the Arts Infrastructure Program. We congratulate Marie, Kerriann and the whole cast and crew on the film’s incredible success!
The film is now available on select streaming services, click here to find out where to watch. It is also available in both French and Cree.
In special honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Bones of Crows will be showing FREE screenings in select theatres across Canada (with limited availability). Please click here to RSVP at a location near you.
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