“Kibitzing with Podemski: Jennifer Podemski” Series 2 Episode 19

From early childhood in Toronto, Jennifer Podemski knew she wanted to be a storyteller. Her career started with dance, stage and as a youth host for the CBC “Wonderstruck” series. In high school, studies at the Toronto Arts School nurtured and helped her through a difficult family environment. Although she wrote her first play and screenplay in Grade 9 and her first film script in Grade 10, it was acting that first opened doors for her in the film and television industry. Her stage acting brought good reviews; but in the film and television industry, Podemski found that, talent aside, physical looks reigned supreme, and agents had no category for her mixed heritage looks as a product of a Saulteaux mother and Jewish father. Observing Jennifer Podemski at work on set in the production of her series, “Rabbit Fall”, her talent and panache show that she's a storyteller to watch, both now and in the future.

Series two of “Storytellers in motion'' celebrates the achievements of Canada's Indigenous artists who work across media that include photography, print journalism, screenwriting for film and television and broadcast news. All have inspiring careers and contribute their thoughts on their place in mainstream media as they seek to define the Indigenous voice.

Produced by: Jeff Bear, Marianne Jones, Urban Rez Productions