I Place You Into the Fire 37 mins
"I Place You into the Fire" is a thought-provoking film that seamlessly blends documentary, animation, and poetry elements. Through her eloquent and powerful words, Mi'kmaw poet Rebecca Thomas shines a light on the enduring effects of colonization and the struggles that Indigenous people continue to face in contemporary society.
Three Indigenous illustrators lend their talents to animated segments that visually represent Rebecca's words, giving them additional depth and emotional resonance. Combining the authenticity of Rebecca's personal narrative, the power of poetry, and the stunning animation, "I Place You into the Fire" invites viewers to consider their roles in fostering understanding, compassion and justice.
Achievements
Winner - "Doc Atlantic Award" 2023
Winner - "Best Short Documentary" Silver Wave Film Festival 2023
Nomination - "Best Documentary Film" Screen Nova Scotia Awards 2024
Screening - Charlottetown Film Festival, PEI 2023
Screening - Silver Wave Film Festival, Fredericton, NB 2023
Screening - Carbon Arc Cinema, Halifax, NS public screening 2024
Screening - Reel 2 Real International Film Festival for Youth, Vancouver, BC 2024
What Good Canadians Do 4 mins
"What Good Canadians Do" is a captivating short film featuring a poem written and performed by Mi'kmaw poet Rebecca Thomas, brought to life through the illustrations of Indigenous artist Phyllis Grant, and animated by Andrea Dorfman. The film raises questions about accountability and challenges the notion of performative allyship, prompting viewers to consider the tangible actions required to effect positive change.
Achievements
Screening - Canadian Film Festival 2024
Screening - The Animation Festival of Halifax 2024
Screening - Kitchener Waterloo Film Festival 2024
Footnotes 3mins
"Footnotes" is an animated short film brought to life by the unique artistic style of Indigenous illustrator Christopher Grant and the evocative words of Mi'kmaw writer Rebecca Thomas. The film explores the profound impact of colonization on the Indigenous people of Canada.
Through its emotional and thought-provoking journey, the film encourages reflection and understanding, fostering a dialogue about reconciliation and healing. The chapter-style storytelling highlights the fact that colonization is something that is relegated to the history books as a past event, but in reality, it’s a continuation of impact into the present.
Achievements
Screening - Dawson City International Short Film Festival 2024
Screening - Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival 2024
One of Those Families 3 mins
"One of Those Families" is a deeply personal animated short film that brings together the exquisite hand-painted illustrations of Mi'kmaw artist Pauline Young, the animation expertise of Struan Sutherland, and the poignant poetry of Mi'kmaw writer Rebecca Thomas. Her words, authentic and vulnerable, shed light on the imperfections and struggles within families. Rebecca's poetry becomes a powerful tool for connection, fostering empathy and understanding.
Achievements
Screening - The Animation Festival of Halifax 2024
In Development
Morgan Toney Takes Flight - Documentary Series