When the first Dene filmmaker returned home to Canada’s Northwest Territories, his people had no words for his new art. They called it “Dreamtalking”. When you make films a Dene elder said, you are speaking your dreams.
Edmonton, Alberta becomes the site of an international gathering of our own Dreamtalkers: filmmakers, performers and artists. Indigenous people from around the globe gather to share their common bond, a linkage with of a natural world whose harmonies and rhythms are being forgotten by those that came later.
Dreamspeakers Film Festival provides a venue for Dreamtalkers and offers a unique exploration into Aboriginal cultures from all parts of the globe.
The Dreamspeakers Festival Society supports and educates the public about Aboriginal culture, art and heritage. It is a resource for Aboriginal filmmakers, for directors, scriptwriters, cameramen, technicians, actors, musicians, storytellers, artists and craftspeople. The Society is also a resource bank—a way to get in touch with Aboriginal filmmakers, performers and artists. And through Dreamspeakers, Aboriginal people receive training in arts, culture and festival operations.