Film-maker wins big in Banff

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A little recognition is all film-maker Dennis Jackson aimed for when he entered the Telefilm Canada/Television Northern Canada Aboriginal Production Awards.

Little did he know his five-minute animated film, based on a short story he wrote in high school, would win one of only two $10,000 awards. The winners will put the money toward their future projects.

Jackson's film, Journey Through Fear, won the best English-language television production produced by an Aboriginal person. Shirley Cheechoo's Silent Tears won the other $10,000 award for best Canadian Aboriginal language television production.

"I was completely shocked. I just entered it for some exposure, just so they'd know of it. There wasn't even a category for short films. It's incredible," said Jackson.

He said the $10,000 will go toward an educational series based on his winning creation.

Journey Through Fear is the story of Jackson's grandfather trapping in northern Saskatchewan and his reflection on changes in the environment over the years.

"He remembers how it used to be good when he trapped years ago. He remembers how modern development's pushed the trapping further north," Jackson said of his film.

The 30-year-old Cree from Sandy Bay is a fourth year film and video student from the University of Regina.

Between attending school full-time and creating the film, Jackson found himself with a full schedule. He said the animation began production last January and involved 16 full days of shooting, which took place mostly weekends.

Jackson said he will begin working on the series this fall after he's completed a one-hour documentary on First Nations forest fire workers.

He said he's "hoping to find a niche in Saskatchewan in the filming industry."

Abraham Tagalik, chairman of TVNC, said the presentation of such awards is an important step in recognizing Canadian Aboriginal producers.

"Programs by producers like Ms. Chechoo and Mr. Jackson are an indication of the talent in the Aboriginal community and the kind of programs we want all Canadians to see," he said.

The second annual Telefilm Canada/TVNC Awards were presented at the 19th Banff Television Festival on June 12. The awards were created to recognize outstanding achievement in both Aboriginal-language and French or English-language Aboriginal television production. Twenty television programs, eight produced in an Aboriginal language and 12 in English, were in competition for the awards.