Documentary filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin will accept the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in a ceremony May 3 in Ottawa.
A member of the Abenaki Nation, Obomsawin is honoured for her lifelong achievement in documentary film, including over 30 documentaries which have inspired audiences throughout Canada and internationally. Her films
include Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance and Incident at Restigouche.
Obomsawin’s numerous awards already include two from the Canadian government: the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts and Officer of the Order of Canada.
Government Film Commissioner and National Film Board Chairperson Tom Perlmutter said, “I stand in awe of Alanis, of her remarkable creative energy and indefatigable passion to connect and engage. For me, she embodies the heart and soul of the NFB – social engagement through creation: transforming people and communities through the power of the imagination. Alanis makes clear why art matters.”
Hosted by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, the award ceremony showcases short films about the achievements of Obomsawin and the other five recipients of the award.
Nominations for the prestigious Performing Arts Awards are accepted from the general public and the performing arts community.
