“Our First Lady of Cinema: Alanis Obomsawin” Series 1 Episode 10

Alanis Obomsawin, a member of the Abenaki Nation, is recognized as an accomplished filmmaker and leading voice of Indigenous filmmakers in Canada. With a career that spans 40 years and over 30 films, “Storytellers in motion” recognizes Obomsawin as the First Lady of Cinema. Her career began with the National Film Board of Canada in Montreal in 1968. Her 1993 film, “Kanesatake: 270 Years of Resistance”, stands out as one of the most important documentaries in a century of Canadian filmmaking. At 74, she is still at work with her project, “Waban Aki”. In this intimate portrait, Obomsawin, one of few remaining staff documentary filmmakers at the NFB, leads us through an exploration of a number of her films. Obomsawin is also a singer, songwriter, engraver, printmaker. She has won many awards, including the Officer of the Order of Canada.

Over three seasons, “Storytellers in Motion'', introduces a number of Canada's Indigenous storytellers. Sharing excerpts from their films, these storytellers comment on their work and explore their creative voices.

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