Stephanie Joline Women of this Land Film Screening
Thursday, September 26th | 7:00 PM | Artist Talkback
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia – Windsor Foundation Lecture Theatre
In Collaboration with
Stephanie Joline is an Indigenous writer, director, and producer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her Indigenous roots come from her mother who is Inuit from Labrador; her father is French Acadian from the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Equally adept at film and television, Stephanie’s stories provoke conversation, break boundaries, and are deeply rooted in inclusivity and feminism.
Her feature films include Night Blooms (2021, starring Jessica Clement and Nick Stahl), a coming-of-age story set in the 1990s; and Play Your Gender (2016), a documentary that pulls back the curtain on gender bias in the music industry, featuring interviews with Patty Schemel, Melissa Auf Der Maur, and Sara Quin. Stephanie has also directed for television and streaming platforms, such as: Words Matter (2022, CBC Gem); Stream Me (2020, Amazon Prime); Farm Crime (2020, CBC Gem); Spirit Talker (2019, APTN). In 2020, she was awarded the Irving Avrich Award from TIFF recognizing rising Canadian talent. The following year she was long-listed for the DGC Discovery Award, and in 2022 she received Best Nova Scotia Director from Women in Film and TV Atlantic and won her first Canadian Screen Award for best directing in the factual television category.
Women of this Land
AGNS and Prismatic have partnered to bring you a film screening of two episodes of Women of this Land, a documentary series spotlighting the resilience and cultural richness of Indigenous women in Atlantic Canada as they share their stories of connection to land and heritage. Produced by Peep Media and directed by Stephanie Joline, the episodes feature shalan joudry and Dr. Imelda Perley Opolahsomuwehs.
shalan joudry
Presenting an intimate portrait of shalan joudry, a captivating Mi’kmaw storyteller and ecologist based in Nova Scotia, this episode explores shalan’s talents and her unique journey toward healing and connecting with her heritage.
The episode captures her live performances as a poet and an oral storyteller, showcasing the power of storytelling as a form of cultural preservation. shalan’s love for the land is palpable and inspiring, evident in every story she shares. The film interweaves her ecological perspectives with her cultural narratives, illustrating the profound connection between the land’s well-being and its people’s spiritual healing. As a storyteller and ecologist, shalan actively engages with her community, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility for the land.
Dr. Imelda Perley Opolahsomuwehs
This inspiring episode delves into the world of Imelda Perley Opolahsomuwehs, a revered Wolastoqey Elder and linguist from Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick. Imelda takes us on an intimate exploration of her life’s work as a healer, teacher, and language keeper. Imelda passionately recounts her journey of reclaiming and preserving her ancestral language, a mission that has become a cornerstone of her life’s purpose. Viewers witness her unwavering commitment to passing down the linguistic treasures of her people to future generations, ensuring the survival of the Wolastoqey language.
Imelda’s deep connection to her roots is unmistakable as she opens the doors to her world, inviting the audience to join her in sacred ceremonies. She shares her rituals and prayers, offering a glimpse into the spiritual traditions that have shaped her journey. As the episode unfolds, Imelda emerges not only as a cultural ambassador but also as a beacon of strength and resilience.
If you would like to watch the rest of Women of This Land, there are two more episodes available for free, which feature Jennie Williams and Chief Darlene Bernard. These episodes can be found in season 24 of the series Absolutely Canadian, streaming on CBC Gem.