Dreamspeakers festival a must see for everyone

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If you aspire to film-making, acting or writing or if you'd rather just sit and watch other people's work, don't miss the 10th annual Dreamspeakers Film Festival June 22 to 25 being held in the capital city.

"From directors and producers to writers and actors, the festival is really a celebration of all aspects of film-making," said Murray Jurak, president of the festival. "It is an honor to be able to bring this to our community and to all Canadians."

The fully-packed four-day event will engage festival-goers with the talents of such prominent stars as Gerald Auger (lead of the upcoming Steven Spielberg TV mini-series Into the West scheduled to air on TNT June 10.) Steve Reevis (Into the West, The Longest Yard-a film with Adam Sandler), Russell Means (Wagons East, Disney's Pocahontas and Into the West), Annabella Piugattuk (The Snow Walker), Ryan Black (The Rez) Dakota House (North of 60), Nathaniel Arcand (Into the West), Molly Culver (VIP with Pamela Anderson), Andrea Menard (actor, singer songwriter), Wilma Pelly (North of 60), Mathew Strongeagle and Landon Montour (Moccasin Flats), and Lorne Cardinal (Corner Gas), just to name but a few.

Featured films include The Business of Fancy Dancing, Medicine Walker, Hank Williams First Nation, and Indian Graffiti, along with a full complement of short films including Through the Eyes of Shirley CheeChoo, Goodnight Irene, Braven Tails, Two Winters, Tatoo on my Heart, and Dancing on the Edge.

"There are more films coming in all the time, so check the Web site or give our office a call for updated information," said Helen Calahasen, executive director of the Dreamspeakers Festival Society.

A highlight of the festival will be the first-of-its-kind creation of an Indigenous peoples' "Walk of Fame" in front of City Hall on Saturday. "We're very excited about this piece of the festival," said Calahasen. "It will be a wonderful tribute to the trailblazers in the Aboriginal film industry."

Douglas Spotted Eagle, a world-renowned expert in high definition film-making, will host a workshop on the subject. "We were very lucky to get him," said Jurak. "The day before his workshop here he's in Chicago. The day after, he's in Los Angeles. I would highly recommend that any producer interested in high def to be there."

Full-day workshops with world-renowned writer Jordan Wheeler will also be offered. "He is definitely someone you don't want to miss," said Calahasen.

Another highlight of the festival is Youth Day on June 23 at the Citadel Theatre and Stanley L. Milner Theatre. This action-packed day offers 12- to 17-year-olds the opportunity to meet guest celebrities, participate in workshops with them, enter contests and win prizes.

"The day will be hosted by Aboriginal actors, producers and directors," said Calahasen. "This is a perfect day for youth. It lets them interact with their favorite television and movie stars. We're sure to see some up-and-coming talent on that day."

A Black Tie Gala celebrating Alberta's Centennial and Aboriginal achievement in film will be held Friday with Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan, Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel, and provincial Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Pearl Calahasen in attendance. Saturday night will see the event wrapped up aboard the Edmonton Queen River Boat.

Tickets are available by calling 378-9609 (Web site www.Dreamspeakers.org). Single event tickets are available or get a complete festival pass for only $75, which includes films, workshops, the opening gala evening, and closing wrap-up party.

Dreamspeakers Film Festival has been growing steadily the past few years, explained Jurak.

"Like everything that turns out to be great, it's the product of hard work and dedication by people who care very much about showcasing the incredible talent among our Indigenous people. We're looking forward to it getting better and better."

The Dreamspeakers Society supports, promotes and markets Aboriginal clture, art and heritage. It is a resource for Aboriginal film-makers, for directors, scriptwriters, cameramen, technicians, actors, musicians, storytellers, artists and craftspeople.