Darlene Naponse
Directing
Biography
Darlene is an Anishinaabe Kwe from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek - Northern Ontario. She was born and raised in her community and now works out of her studio - Pine Needle Productions, in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. She is a writer, film director, and video artist. Her film work has been viewed internationally including the Sundance Film Festival. She worked with community leaders and elders to write and ratify the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Gchi-Naaknigewin (Constitution). She continues governance and First Nations land/human rights work in her community. Darlene has built a wide range of work. She is passionate and pure as an independent artist. She retains creative control of all her films and continues to work with dedication to the protection of story, appropriation and respect to imagery, history, and tradition of First Nations people. Her work is deeply connected to her community, First Nations realities of the 21st century and Mother Earth. Darlene is honored to listen to stories of sadness, rejoice, hope, rejection, reflection, optimism and an understanding of who we are as Native people living on Mother Earth. As a storyteller, Darlene is in search of imaginative images giving truth through word, film, art and song.
Known For
Set within the fluidity of time, touch, realism and reverie. Some may call this magic realism. Based within Indigenous knowledge and way of life, this story allows two people to heal, through touch, calm, love and patience in a fantastical space that leaves the audience dreamlike and yet it is dangerous and violent, there is love.
Stellar
A world-famous Anishinaabe musician returns to the reserve to rest and recharge — only to discover that fame (and the outside world) are not easily left behind.
Falls Around Her
An exploration of the reality of returning home on the reserve to face family, community and death.
Every Emotion Costs
Meneath: The Hidden Island of Ethics dives deeply into the innate contrast between the Seven Deadly Sins (Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Pride and Envy) and the Seven Sacred Teachings (Love, Respect, Wisdom, Courage, Truth, Honesty and Humility), as embodied in the life of a precocious Métis baby. Brought to life by Terril Calder’s darkly beautiful stop-motion animation, her inner turmoil of abuse is laid bare with unflinching honesty. Convinced she’s soiled and destined for Hell, Baby Girl receives teachings that fill her with strength and pride, and affirm a path towards healing. Calder’s tour-de-force unearths a hauntingly familiar yet hopeful world that illuminates the bias of colonial systems.
Meneath: The Hidden Island of Ethics
Set on Atikameksheng Anishnawbek (formerly known as Whitefish Lake), this visual art documentary follows the seasons in director Darlene Naponse’s home community in Northern Ontario.