Loretta Sarah Todd

Girl. Cree. Metis. White. Writes (been to Sundance Writer's Lab). Directs (lots of films, many festivals). Thinks (essays that are full of tersely cogent remarks or flamboyantly theoretical analysis). Produces (until you've actually dealt directly with many financing entities in Canada, you've not really experienced the labyrinth). Challenges herself and others (why do it like everyone else?). Makes things happen (without too much fuss and with way too much Cree humility). And yes, she has many awards and accolades.

Known for lyrical, expressionistic imagery combined (and this is important) with strong storytelling skills and talents, Todd tells truths that are haunting, funny and real. What makes Ms. Todd an exceptional filmmaker is her imagination and that she is fearless. Some say she knows how to see into the hearts and minds of the subjects of her films – and the actors and their characters.

Most recently she created, developed, produced and was the creative producer on a children's series that combines, animation, storytelling, music videos, games, adventures – all in the service of learning the Cree language. Tansi! Nehiyawetan is in its 3rd season with the Aboriginal People's Television Network.

Her selected credits include:

• Kainayssini Imanistaisiwa - The People Go On
• Today is a Good Day: Remembering Chief Dan George
• Forgotten Warriors
• Hands of History
• The Learning Path
• My Dad’s DTs
• Day-Glo Warrior (short drama writer)
• The Circle (short drama writer)

Selected Festivals include:

Toronto International Film Festival, American Indian Film Festival, Sundance Festival Yamagata Documentary Festival, the Museum of Modern Art, Hot Docs, Vancouver Film Festival. Chicago Film Festival, etc, etc. Other significant honours for her work include Rockefeller Fellowship and participation at the Sundance Scriptwriter’s Lab, as well as numerous awards including a Genie nomination, and a special jury award at the Toronto International Film Festival.

In demand as a writer and lecturer on arts and media, Ms. Todd has spoken at such institutions as the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of the American Indian, the World Cultures Department of UCLA . Her essays appear in many publications from MIT Press to UBC Press. Recently, Ms. Todd created the Aboriginal Media Lab, in partnership with Museum of Anthropology at the University of BC.