Film brings our stories to life

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Stories about Raven and the myth of creation will soon be seen in 3D form, thanks to the first all-Aboriginal/Canadian animation team. Headed by art director Simon James, a member of the Kwakwakuwakw Nation, and his co-producers Chris Kientz and Colin Curwen, Raven Tales follows the comic misadventures of the title character, his brother Eagle and their mischievous friend Frog at the beginning of the world. The stories are based on myths from West Coast communities such as the Haida, Kwakwakuwakw, Salish and Nisga'a Nations.

"As a child, I heard all the versions of the stories, or most of the versions of the stories. So we basically took it and we decided to, instead of take just from one nation, we decided to collaborate all the nations together, and that's what Raven Tales comprises basically," said James.

Similarly, actor Evan Adams grew up with stories about Raven and his friends. Adams, who lent his voice to Raven, is best known for his role in the film Smoke Signals and his hosting duties on a show called Buffalo Tracks, which was aired on the Aboriginal People's Television Network.

"I have a great love of Raven, the trickster, so any attempt to bring him to life I love to be a part of. He's our icon, he's our big Indian hero, so I was so proud to get a chance to voice him," said Adams, a member of the Sliammon Nation.

Carmen Moore, whose resume includes roles in the TV series North of 60 and Da Vinci's Inquest, provided the voice for Frog. For Moore, a member of the Carrier Nation, this was an opportunity to learn about her heritage.

"I grew up with my mother, who is not Aboriginal, and didn't learn about my Native heritage growing up...so this is actually a great opportunity for me to learn as well as for those who will be watching the show," said Moore.

Raven Tales was an idea originally developed by Kientz, three-and-a-half years ago. He was very interested in Native culture and began writing scripts based on the stories he read. James had recently completed the animation program at the Vancouver Film School with a similar goal of turning Aboriginal stories into animated form. After Kientz made some inquiries at the Vancouver Art Gallery, the two eventually got together to begin collaborating on the project.

Last year, Curwen came on board with his Calgary-based company, New Machine Studios, to produce the film.

The film is slated for release before 2005. After production of Raven Tales wraps, the film will make its way to industry events such as the Sundance Film Festival. James would also like to see the film get picked up by a television network.

Raven Steals the Sun, the story of how light was unleashed into the universe, is the first episode of what James, Kientz and Curwen hope to be a series of 13 stories.

The future of Raven Tales looks promising, as networks like National Geographic have expressed interest in the film. James said he is also toying with the idea of incorporating Raven Tales into Aboriginal language programs for youth. While the purpose is to entertain children and adults, James hopes audiences will gain a better understanding of Aboriginal culture in the process.

"If you go to any schoolground, you will see children imitating Sponge Bob Square Pants, or Homer Simpson or Bart Simpson. We're hoping that some of them actually will imitate Raven...they'll start goofing around on the playground and looking at another person, especially a Native person and say 'Wow, I saw this animation about your culture last night and it was so interesting and I want to learn more about who you are,'" said James.

Because there are many Aboriginal stories that have yet to be told, James said he would love to see other animators follow in his footsteps.

"There are qualified Native animators or qualified Native documentary directors or even potential directors...but as far as a producer, director, art director, artist, I'm the only one according to the National ilm Board...I am so much hoping that I have a lot of competition because there (are) a lot stories that I don't know, especially with the Eastern provinces.

"I am hoping that people will step forward and start telling the culture of the Native people in film," said James.