On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we’re revisiting conversations with Indigenous filmmakers from across The Wider Lens. Through written interviews, videos and our podcast, these creators share the stories behind their work, the communities that inspire them, and the importance of having the support and freedom to tell their own stories.
Eva Thomas and Gail Maurice on Aberdeen
For Aberdeen Co-Director Eva Thomas and lead Actor Gail Maurice, film offers a way to build empathy and bring overlooked experiences into view. The two DGC Ontario Directors discuss working together on a film based on the experiences of Indigenous communities in Winnipeg, and how their approaches to directing and performance helped bring its central character to life.
Watch our interview with Eva Thomas and Gail Maurice
Danis Goulet and Zoe Hopkins on North of North
Left: Showrunner Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, Right: Director Zoe Hopkins. Photo courtesy of Zoe Hopkins.
Shot in Iqaluit, North of North follows a young mother navigating family, friendship and life in a small Arctic community. DGC Ontario Directors Danis Goulet and Zoe Hopkins join Production Manager Moe Rai to share what it took to bring the comedy to the screen, from transporting equipment across the tundra to working with local communities.
Read our interview on the making of North of North
Kaniehtiio Horn on Seeds
DGC Ontario Director Kaniehtiio Horn writes, directs and stars in Seeds, a darkly funny thriller about a Mohawk influencer drawn into a fight to protect her family’s land and legacy. In this Creative Spotlight video, Kaniehtiio reflects on moving from acting to directing and balancing important messages with a sense of humour.
Watch our Creative Spotlight with Kaniehtiio Horn
Zoe Hopkins on Hope, Love and Little Bird
Following a woman’s search for the family she was separated from during the Sixties Scoop, Little Bird explores identity, loss and reconnection. DGC Ontario Director Zoe Hopkins reflects on bringing this history to the screen, the healing she experienced while making the series, and why Indigenous Directors need trust and resources to tell their stories authentically.
Read our interview with Zoe Hopkins
Danis Goulet and Nyla Innuksuk on Horror, Sci-Fi and Fantasy Through an Indigenous Lens
How can genre filmmaking imagine Indigenous futures? In this Wider Lens podcast episode, Night Raiders Director Danis Goulet and Slash/Back Director Nyla Innuksuk join host Annie Bradley to explore how horror, science fiction, and fantasy allow Indigenous communities to tell stories about a future that includes both survival and the opportunity to thrive.
Listen to the podcast with Danis Goulet and Nyla Innuksuk
Darlene Naponse, Eva Thomas and Gail Maurice at TIFF
Our 2025 TIFF video features DGC Ontario Directors Darlene Naponse (Aki), Eva Thomas (Nika & Madison) and Gail Maurice (Blood Lines) alongside fellow Members with productions at the festival. Hear about their work, their perspectives on Canadian film and television, and what it means to be part of Ontario’s creative community.
Watch our TIFF 2025 video featuring Darlene Naponse, Eva Thomas and Gail Maurice
Resources for Continued Learning
To learn more about residential school history and the ongoing work of reconciliation, explore the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s educational resources and information on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
