Film program helps Aboriginal youth bring their stories to the big screen

Floyd Blackhorse is one of nine Aboriginal students who will get a taste of Hollywood without having to travel the distance.

The 25-year old Blackfoot man from Siksika First Nation, is participating in the NSI New Voices program in Winnipeg. Offered by the National Screen Institute, the program is designed for young Aboriginal adults who have a desire to work in the film and television industry.

 “New Voices is an entry level TV and film program where students spend six weeks in the classroom with faculty members and another six weeks in internships where they are placed on set or in production companies working on sound, lighting, documentary, writing and producing,” said Ursula Lawson, program co-manager.
Participants receive an overall education about the film industry as well as some first-hand experience in the entire filmmaking process - from pitching an idea to developing a final product.

“The students will produce three short films,” said Lawson, “There is a screening at the end of the program. Students have two days to shoot; two days to edit; then they invite sponsors and faculty to see the finished product.”

Blackhorse’s background in graphic design and animation made him a strong candidate during the selection process.

“I did one year at SAIT and I wanted more experience in video production,” said Blackhorse, “I went through a program on storytelling and animation. After doing an animated short film, I got into New Voices.”

With so many facets to filmmaking, Blackhorse is focusing on short film. “Short film is, for me, a stepping block – a chance to produce something a lot of people will see. Short stories are in commercials and music videos. Short films are an area for me to be as creative as I want and have my own time schedule.”

Participating in the New Voices program has made Blackhorse even more determined to pursue his goal to become a filmmaker.

“I want to write, direct and produce my own show, coming from my own imagination,” he said.

Eventually, Blackhorse would like to obtain funding to create his own short films.

“It would be nice to be recognized by a broadcaster or APTN who take my screenplay to direct a show,” he said.

Although learning about so many aspects of the film industry in such a short period of time could be overwhelming, Blackhorse is focused on the purpose of filmmaking.

“I’d like to tell a story that puts light to where I’m from and where my parents are from,” he said.

As a New Voices participant, Blackhorse is optimistic about his future in film: “My dream is within arm’s reach.”
This is the sixth year that the program has been offered. Graduates of the program have worked on numerous film and television productions and developed their own projects.