Kokum, with love., developed through NSI IndigiDocs by 2021 participant Kim Stadfeld, makes its world premiere at the Gimli International Film Festival on July 23.
The short documentary is a personal story about Kim as she searches for truth and answers about the life of her Indigenous grandmother Flora Bear.
“I’m thrilled and honoured that my film was selected to premiere at the Gimli International Film Festival,” says Kim. “Growing up in Winnipeg, I’ve spent many summers enjoying all the beauty of Gimli. My late father grew up near Riverton just north of Gimli, so being able to share my family story in this community is a great privilege.”
“For me, figuring out how to tell this story is what mattered most. Creating this film felt like a bonus adventure, and I learned so much along the way! The NSI IndigiDocs program created an intimate, safe space for all the artists to explore and express the truth of their narrative.”
“The industry connections and partnership introductions, like Hot Docs CrossCurrents and the Indigenous Screen Office, which I made during the program are valuable beyond measure and I’m grateful for all of the newfound friends I’ve gathered along the way. But my greatest reward from participating in the program was to honour my Indigenous grandmother, my kokum Flora, by sharing a little bit about her life.”
Kokum, with love. will screen along with nine other Manitoba-made shorts from this past year as part of the Manitoba Shorts in Competition. One film will be named this year’s best Manitoba short film at the end of the screenings.
The entire Manitoba Shorts In Competition showcase screens at Gimli Theatre on Saturday, July 23 at 1:15 p.m. Get your tickets now!
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NSI IndigiDocs 2020-22 was funded by Program Partners APTN, Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage and RBC Emerging Artists Project; Indigenous Training Programs Partner Directors Guild of Canada (DGC); Boot Camp Presenting Sponsor Manitoba Film & Music; Strategic Sponsors documentary Channel, CBC Gem; Supporting Sponsors Telefilm Canada, Super Channel and A&E Networks; Provincial / Territorial Sponsors Manitoba Film & Music, Ontario Creates, Northwest Territories Film Commission, Creative Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association (SMPIA), Yukon Media Development and the Alberta Government; Industry Partners the National Film Board of Canada, Entertainment Partners; Industry Supporters imagineNATIVE Film & Media Arts Festival, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and Service Sponsors Line 21 Media and iSplice Films. NSI Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.