Indigenous NFB documentary and animation featured at imagineNATIVE.Four new works from the National Film Board of Canada as the festival marks 25 years.
Four films from the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) will showcase powerful Indigenous documentary and animated storytelling as the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival in Toronto celebrates its milestone 25th anniversary.
Filmmakers Kim O'Bomsawin and Sinakson Trevor Solway delve into themes of Indigenous youth and masculinity in a pair of compelling feature documentaries. There's excellence and innovation in short filmmaking, too, from Amanda Strong and legendary Abenaki creator Alanis Obomsawin.
imagineNATIVE's in-person screenings will take place June 3 to 8 in Toronto, with its online festival streaming June 9 to 15. Unless indicated, all NFB films are available in-person and online.
NFB selection at imagineNATIVE
Ninan Auassat: We, the Children by Kim O'Bomsawin (93 min) | TORONTO PREMIERE
Thursday, June 5, at 11:00 a.m. | TIFF Lightbox 3
Shot over more than six years, Abenaki director Kim O'Bomsawin's Ninan Auassat celebrates the power and vitality of Indigenous youth from three different nations-Atikamekw, Eeyou Cree and Innu. Filmed from "a child's eye-view" and without adult voices, the film reveals the dreams of a new generation poised to take flight.
Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man by Sinakson Trevor Solway (77 min)
Saturday, June 7, at 2:30 p.m. | TIFF Lightbox 1 (screening in-person only) | Filmmaker in attendance
Siksika filmmaker Sinakson Trevor Solway intimately portrays the lives of Blackfoot men as they navigate identity, kinship and the complex expectations of manhood. Through unfiltered moments set against the breathtaking landscape of the Prairies, Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Manreimagines what it means to be a Native man.
My Friend the Green Horse by Alanis Obomsawin (11 min 20 s) | ONTARIO PREMIERE, filmmaker in attendance
Sensory Friendly Screening: Wednesday, June 4, at 11 a.m., TIFF Lightbox 2
Short Film Program: FAMILY MATTERS | Sunday, June 8, at 1 p.m. | TIFF Lightbox 3
Often feeling alone in her waking life, a young Alanis Obomsawin found friendship with the Green Horse, a benevolent being she visited regularly in her dreams. In this short film combining stop-motion animation and live action, the Green Horse and other animal spirits guide Alanis to realize the immensity of the gift of life and the power of kindness.
Alanis will also take part in ReMatriate the Lens, a women's roundtable discussion on Friday, June 6, at 4:15 p.m. at The Well, presented as part of imagineNATIVE Industry Days.
Inkwo for When the Starving Return by Amanda Strong (Spotted Fawn Productions/NFB, 18 min 27 s)
Short Film Program: WITCHING HOUR | Friday, June 6, at 10 p.m. | TIFF Lightbox 3 | Filmmaker in attendance
Michif/Metis creator Amanda Strong's Inkwo is a stop-motion animated adaptation of a short story by Richard Van Camp in which a gender-shifting warrior uses their Indigenous medicine (Inkwo) to protect their community from a swarm of terrifying creatures. Featuring such voice talents as Paulina Alexis and Tantoo Cardinal.
- 30 -
Stay Connected
Online Screening Room: NFB.ca
NFB Facebook | NFB Twitter | NFB Instagram | NFB Blog | NFB YouTube | NFB Vimeo
Curator's perspective | Director's notes
About the NFB
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
18 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
The last dance? Organizers of North America's largest powwow say 2026 will be the event's final year
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — For decades, tens of thousands of people have descended upon Albuquerque for what is billed as North America's largest powwow, a celebration showcasing Indigenous dancers, musicians and artisans from around the world. Organizers announced Saturday that 2026 will be the last time the cultural event is held, saying via email and social media that it will end after 43 years without providing details on the decision. 'There comes a time,' Gathering of Nations Ltd. said in a statement. The official poster for the 2026 event features the words 'The Last Dance.' Organizers did not immediately respond to phone and email messages seeking comment. The New Mexico fairgrounds have hosted the powwow since 2017, but it's unclear whether the venue would be available for future events given that the state is considering redeveloping the site. There also has been criticism over the years by some Native Americans who said Gathering of Nations organizers were capitalizing on Indigenous culture. Organizers dismissed those claims, saying the money raised goes toward the expenses of putting on the event. While offering spectators a glimpse into Indigenous cultures, large powwows like the one in Albuquerque have become more commercialized events with prize money for dancing and drumming competitions. For some Native American leaders, it can be a struggle to keep traditional cultural practices and commercial powwows from being lumped into the same category. There have been efforts to focus on promoting smaller powwows that are held in tribal communities. At Gathering of Nations, the signature event is the grand entry, in which a colorful procession of dancers spirals into the center of an arena. Participants wear elaborate regalia — some with jingling bells and others with feathers — and dance to rhythmic drumming. The event also features the crowning of Miss Indian World, as well as horse parades in which riders are judged on the craftsmanship of their intricately beaded adornments or feathered headdresses and how well they work with their steeds.
Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
PNE opens this weekend with a big heaping scoop of Canadiana
The Pacific National Exhibition has always been patriotic. But this year, the PNE is taking it to a new level. It's selling Canadian corn dogs. Not only that, the annual fair will be selling West Coast chowder poutine. And apple crumble perogies. The exotic treats are part of the fare from an all-Canadian lineup of food vendors at this year's fair, which opens Saturday and runs to Sept. 1. The fair unveiled its 2025 lineup at a news conference Thursday on Miller Drive, the street between Hastings Park racecourse and the PNE's agricultural barns. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Looming nearby was the striking new curved roof for the 10,000 seat Freedom Arch amphitheatre the PNE is building on the former demolition derby site. It will open in summer 2026. PNE president Shelley Frost pointed to the amphitheatre as part of an 'incredible time of evolution for our organization.' But then, evolution has been constant in a fair that began in 1910. Playing on its family-friendly vibe, the PNE will be transforming the Italian Garden green space beside the Forum into The Big Backyard, a celebration of Canadian sports that has areas set aside for kids to play hockey, soccer, football and basketball. 'They can try their hand at shooting pucks at targets,' Frost explains. 'They can spend some time (practising) their foot skills for soccer, they can try their hand at different sports.' Over on Miller Drive, the fair is hosting an international sand castle competition, with sculptors from Canada, Taiwan and South Korea. The first sculpture was bring finished Thursday — the PNE logo. There will also be the Tatus Festival, showcasing Indigenous music, art and food. It will showcase 127 Indigenous artists with performances on the Festival Stage, including headliners Crystal Shawanda and George Leach. The festival also features Indigenous food trucks and a large Indigenous arts and crafts marketplace. In addition, the fair will have a display of traditional Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) carvers at work. The big news at the site in the off-season was the discovery of several First World War-era artillery pieces. Two German howitzers that were unearthed during the excavation for the amphitheatre will be displayed between the Agrodome and Pacific Coliseum during the fair. The PNE will be handing over the old weaponry discovered at Hastings Park to the Canadian military on Aug. 19, and will be offering free admission to any active duty or retired Canadian armed forces members. The concert lineup at the Pacific Coliseum includes Canadian acts like Tom Cochrane (Aug. 29), Mother Mother (Aug. 21) and Marianas Trench (Aug. 24). International acts include Counting Crows (Aug. 16), Lynyrd Skynyrd (Aug. 17) and Gipsy Kings (Aug. 20). Free concerts on the existing Freedom Mobile Stage in centre grounds kick off with shows by PNE favourite Bobby Bruce, otherwise known as Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band. Nearly Neil plays Aug. 16 and 17, followed by the Fleetwood Mac tribute Dreams Aug. 19 and 20. To help the media get into the spirit of this year's event, the PNE held a 'guilty pleasures' food and wine pairings Thursday, featuring B.C. wines with fair food. A Jimmy's Lunch burger, for example, was paired with a Cabaret Sauvignon from Black Sage winery in Oliver. PNE chef Andy Chong let out the big secret to the delicious onions at Jimmy's Lunch: They season them with orange Fanta soft drink. In case you were wondering, the Canadian corn dog is made with maple and bacon. The West Coast chowder poutine has salmon and cod. Adult tickets to the fair are $20 online, $25 at the gate. Seniors and youth 13-18 are $14 online, $16 at the gate. Kids 4-12 are $7 online, $9 at the gate. Special rates can be found on the PNE website; on opening weekend (Aug. 16 and 17) admission is $7 for online purchases. jmackie@
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Cision Canada
An Iconic Summer Party for Women - Iconic Magazine Celebrates Summer in Style with 'Frosé & Soirée' at Megalomaniac Winery
VINELAND, ON, Aug. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Against the backdrop of sweeping vineyard views and the shimmering expanse of Lake Ontario, Iconic Magazine hosted its Frosé & Soirée summer party at the breathtaking Megalomaniac Winery this week. An intimate celebration for its Summer Issue that brought together trailblazing women, industry leaders and tastemakers. Hosted by Jen Szpigiel, Founder & CEO of Becoming Iconic and Editor-in-Chief of Iconic Magazine, the event was a sensory experience from start to finish. Guests sipped chilled frosés as they mingled on the terrace, indulging in deep conversations and meaningful networking, true to the magazine's mission of blending business brilliance with elevated lifestyle. Now reaching over 8 million impressions worldwide, Iconic Magazine has become a global platform for women who lead with vision, style and sophistication. The afternoon featured special guest and cover star Marilena Madio, founder of Wall Wear and acclaimed for her artistic murals seen on Property Brothers and across social media. Madio inspired attendees with her story of turning creative passion into a thriving business, embodying the very essence of the Iconic ethos. Adding to the afternoon's enchantment, guests handpicked blooms at a lush flower bar curated by The Watering Can, enjoyed a makeup pop-up by Indigenous-owned Cheekbone Beauty, and were serenaded by the soulful sounds of a live violinist as the sun cast over the vines. It was an experience that transcended a typical launch and became a celebration of artistry, entrepreneurship, and connection. "Frosé & Soirée was a love letter to women who are creating legacies on their own terms," said Jen, Editor in Chief. "The conversations, the creativity, and the collaboration in that room are exactly why we do what we do." Iconic Magazine continues to expand its influence as the premier destination where entrepreneurship meets elegance. The Frosé & Soirée will undoubtedly remain one of the season's most talked-about events, setting the tone for future gatherings that champion women, business, and beauty in every form. About Iconic Magazine Iconic Magazine is a global publication blending business strategy, leadership, and lifestyle for women who aspire to lead extraordinary lives. With a readership spanning over 8 million, Iconic features inspiring stories, industry insights, and sophisticated style, empowering women to create a life and business that feels as good as it looks.
