By Meghan Power
Bruce’s story also touches upon intergenerational trauma. “Many Indigenous people are still reeling from the effects of colonization and would like to heal from those past traumas.” Bruce hopes that his film will offer insight to non-indigenous audiences, while providing a glimpse into the struggles of Indigenous youth. “For Indigenous audiences, it offers a positive story about overcoming trauma.”
Skylar’s Comet, a story about intergenerational trauma and suicide — both urgent issues that Indigenous communities across the Americas are still dealing with. But also, the project became a catalyst for him to reconnect with his heritage and culture. “I had to find pow-wow dancers for a scene in my film and made some great connections, which ended up inspiring my next project: A Common Thread. It’s a docu-web series about pow-wow dancers and the people who make the regalia.” For Bruce, this next film is another step towards his goal of becoming an auteur in filmmaking.
Bruce sees funding from organizations like Calgary Arts Development (CADA) as essential to his career as a filmmaker. “Initially, my budget was 20k, but after the project grant from CADA, I was able to bump up my overall production budget. I could pay my cast and crew a reasonable salary and also cover my expenses, which allowed me to focus on my duties as a producer and director. I am so grateful that Calgary offers such grants for artists. When I first came to Calgary over 20 years ago, the arts were not a priority.”
“This project was a great stepping stone, and I learned much from the experience. I am more confident moving forward into more extensive projects, from scripted to unscripted. But what really helps artists is funding. Keep supporting artists! We need support such as this to succeed.” Bruce still has to work a full-time job to support himself. He recently took on a position with the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta-Calgary Branch. But ultimately, like most artists, he would love to focus on his passion for the arts full-time.
Receiving grants has allowed Bruce to stay in Calgary. “I would like to base my operations out of Calgary. Calgary is a great place that offers so much for artists. Also, as an artist, it is essential to have positive support, and CADA provides that to artists. If anything, we need more grants like the ones that CADA provides. Soon, I will be starting my own production company, and it could not have happened without the help of CADA. You gave me the opportunity, and I have used it to grow as a filmmaker, person and artist.”