Local filmmaker crafts short on Blackfoot culture
A southern Alberta woman's short film about her Blackfoot culture is being broadcaston television.
Shawanda Backfat was one of 36 Indigenous-led projects that were produced during the STORYHIVE Empowered Filmmakers program last year.
The program consisted of five days learning from instructor Farhan Umedaly. Backfat says making the film in such a short amount of time was a challenge, but she was given all of the support she needed.
"Farhan Umedaly, our amazing instructor, did an incredible job in providing the support needed. Completing a film in such a short period of time was definitely challenging but ultimately reveals one's potential," said Backfat.
Her film, “The Old People,” highlights Blackfoot teachings and way of life. She interviewed her cousin Wilda Yellow Oldwoman who has a passion for keeping Blackfoot language alive.
Backfat says it was on honour to have Yellow Oldwoman on camera to share her values and knowledge with the world.
"I wanted to share with people the importance of kindness, compassion, resilience and forgiveness and to show how those values have helped my people stay strong and close to Creator throughout the years," said Backfat.
She went on to say she hopes that the film will inspire people to be more kind, humble and nonjudgmental, even when life gets difficult.
Telus STORYHIVE gives underrepresented communities in British Columbia and Alberta an opportunity to share their stories on the Canadian Broadcasting System. They provide funding for equipment, training, equipment and the finished products air on Telus Optik TV. Since 2013, they have funded over 1,200 projects.
Backfat says this experience showed her the potential individuals have, especially when they are given the supports needed to succeed. She hopes that Indigenous voices will continued to be amplified in mainstream media.
"With support and inspiration I believe local content can move in a direction that is more raw, real and relatable," said Backfat.
Backfat plans on continuing to make films and hopes to be able to share other's story with the world.
"My dream would be to connect both viewers and storytellers through the use of film."
Backfat's film along with the other 35 films can be watched on TELUS Optik TV channel 9 as well as on the STORYHIVE YouTube channel.
For more information on STORYHIVE visit www.storyhive.com
Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lethbridge Herald
