Intimate Talk with: Alanis Obomsawin

A member of the Abenaki Nation and one of Canada’s most distinguished filmmakers, Alanis Obomsawin is a filmmaker and producer at the National Film Board of Canada, where she has worked since 1967.

In September 2019, TIFF presented the world premiere of Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger—Ms. Obomsawin’s 52nd film, completed in the 52nd year of a legendary filmmaking career, during which she has devoted herself to chronicling the lives and concerns of First Nations people and exploring issues of importance to all.

“Young people are leading the way. Their leadership and strength is beautiful andinspiring. We are on the road to a place we’ve never been before, to a new age for Indigenous peoples, and it is our youth who are leading us. This is what I am trying to show in these films.”

On June 27, 2019, Obomsawin was named a Companion of the Order of Canada—its highest honour.

On October 15th 2020, Alanis won the wins prestigious Glenn Gould Prize. Obomsawin, who is a visual artist and a musician as well as a director of engaged documentaries about the First Nations experience, is the second female laurate among the award’s 13 recipients.