Latest posts from National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI)

Films from NSI grads screen at Hot Docs Festival 2019

Posted: 19 Mar 2019 01:41 PM PDT

Congratulations to the NSI grads whose films screen at this year’s Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, including one made through NSI IndigiDocs.

NSI grads Eva Madden, Rhayne Vermette, Leonard Sumner, Justin Simms and Trudy Stewart have also contributed music, animation, sound, editing or associate production for a variety of other films.

Hot Docs takes place in Toronto from April 25 to May 5, 2019.

If we missed your film, let us know!

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National Post’s Chris Knight has great things to say about NSI Features First-developed Level 16

Posted: 19 Mar 2019 01:34 PM PDT

Read a new review of Level 16, written and directed by Danishka Esterhazy and developed through NSI Features First, on the National Post website.

Film critic Chris Knight had lots of great things to say about the dystopian thriller, including that the film’s narrative strategy is “effective as all get-out, but I’d love to see what Esterhazy could do with more production money. It’s time for this director to level up.”

Level 16 is a dystopian science-fiction thriller set in a strict boarding home for girls. Trapped in a sterile facility, 16-year-old Vivien (Katie Douglas) is taught the finer points of ‘feminine virtues’ by a Stepford-like headmistress (Sara Canning) and left to question what fate awaits her when she ages out of the institution. The project was developed through NSI Features First in 2006-07 by Stéphanie Chapelle and Danishka.

Read our recent interview with Danishka.

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NSI Features First provides development training for writer/producer teams looking to produce their first or second feature film with strong commercial appeal. Over 20 feature films developed through the program have been produced since 1997.

NSI Features First is funded by Presenting Sponsor Telefilm Canada; Supporting Sponsors Super Channel, Corus Entertainment and Breakthrough Entertainment; Provincial Sponsor Creative BC through the Daryl Duke and William Vince Scholarship Fund; and Industry Supporters William F. White and Deluxe. NSI Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.

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Dog Bite from Alexandra Caulfield, Gemma Holdway screens at Artemis Film Fest

Posted: 19 Mar 2019 12:04 PM PDT

Short film Dog Bite, from writer Gemma Holdway and producer Alexandra Caulfield (both NSI Totally Television), screens at next month’s Artemis Film Festival in Los Angeles.

In the film, a scared dog attacks Jen, a hyper-ambitious career woman, and leaves her with an unsightly gash across her face. Jen hides away in a child-like fort, determined to start a new life. But in the process, she pushes everyone away. Her dysfunctional family and anxious boyfriend try to coax her back out into the world, but the only person who can get Jen to go outside is Jen.

Artemis Film Festival is dedicated to honouring female action and empowerment heroes. This year’s fest runs from April 25 to 28, 2019.

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Glass Slipper by Eve Krogman + 2 more films in this week’s NSI Online Short Film Festival

Posted: 19 Mar 2019 10:18 AM PDT

Three new films in this week’s NSI Online Short Film Festival from directors Eve Krogman, Alec Jordan and Guy Ettlin.

Glass Slipper

Glass Slipper | Drama, 9:54, English, ON, 2018 | Director: Eve Krogman

A young, black ballerina struggles to dance the part of Cinderella while dealing with the anxiety and paranoia brought on by anonymous bullying attacks in her dance company.

Seeing Sound

Seeing Sound | Documentary, 4:31, English, ON, 2018 | Director: Alec Jordan

A short documentary about a young musician who is unable to read sheet music and couldn’t care less if his socks match or not.

The story showcases his skills on various musical instruments, including the accordion.

Swim Alone

Swim Alone | Drama, 5:36, English, QC, 2018 | Director: Guy Ettlin

Natalie tries to comprehend the end of her relationship with Emma but can’t get the story right.

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The NSI Online Short Film Festival is made possible through the support of Festival Partner Telefilm Canada; Supporting Sponsors Corus Entertainment, Blue Ant Media and Breakthrough Entertainment; Award Sponsor A&E Television Networks; and Industry Partner the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.

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