Jessica Brown
Writing
Biography
Jessica Brown, an esteemed award-winning Nunatsiavut Inuk filmmaker, is based in St. John's, NL. She takes pride in being the owner of Ujarak Media and is at the forefront of creating groundbreaking content that showcases the rich diversity and cultural heritage of Indigenous communities. As the Founder and CEO of the Northern Film Initiative, she actively works towards providing platforms and opportunities for Indigenous voices to be heard and celebrated. Jessica is a passionate advocate for the representation of Indigenous people in Canada's entertainment industry and has received numerous awards for her exceptional talent and contributions. Her commitment to empowering future generations through meaningful storytelling serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers. Additionally, Jessica holds the position of Newfoundland and Labrador Representative of Doc Atlantic, a chapter of the Documentary Organization of Canada.
Known For
Nearly a decade ago, the Spirit Song Festival began as one day event. It has since blossomed into a weeklong, award winning, world-class gathering of Indigenous artists with audience members in the thousands. Through the lens of an Indigenous-led SJIWFF Framed Documentary program, and in partnership with First Light, this short documentary charts the rise of the festival through performances by, and interviews with, Indigenous icons and artists from across Canada.
Spirit Song Festival
Nora is consumed with solving the murder of a young woman, Elfreda, that happened in her hometown of Harbour Grace in 1870. The murder has become a symbol for Nora of how long injustice has persisted for women, including in today's society. As a professor of gender inequality, she witnesses the milestones women have made over centuries that are now being obliterated. Nora returns to Newfoundland and from her research finds an article in the Express newspaper of 1870 describing the horrific murder of Elfreda Pike, a sixteen-year-old girl who was found stabbed. Supported by her colleague Vivian and a new friend Zoe, Nora decides to write a book and continues to hunt down details that will solve Elfreda's murder and give her a voice 150 years later. Nora's book launch of Elfreda discloses a historic letter she reads from a Constable Furey, who headed the investigation, and shockingly confesses on his deathbed 50 years later that he was the man who killed Elfreda Pike.