Jennifer Podemski is a multifaceted creative force, wearing many hats as a director, writer, producer, and actor. Born and raised in Toronto, she now calls Barrie, Ontario her home. With a rich cultural heritage of being of mixed Anishinaabe (First Nation) and Ashkenazi (Jewish) descent, Jennifer's professional journey began at the tender age of 17.
Her breakout role as Sadie in Bruce McDonald's iconic film Dance Me Outside not only earned her critical acclaim but also cemented her position in Canada's film and television canon. This early success paved the way for her to shift her focus towards producing, driven by a desire to address the lack of Indigenous representation in the industry.
In 1999, Jennifer co-founded Big Soul Productions with Laura Milliken, making them the first Indigenous-owned and operated, full-service film and television production and post-production company in Canada. During her tenure at Big Soul, Jennifer oversaw the production of various documentary television series, scripted short films, and the award-winning, multi-season, all-Indigenous dramatic television series Moccasin Flats for Showcase Television and APTN.
In 2005, Jennifer branched out independently, establishing Redcloud Studios Inc., her own production company. Through Redcloud, Jennifer has created, produced, written, and directed a wide range of content, including 5 seasons of the paranormal television series The Other Side (APTN),the award-winning feature film Empire of Dirt, and two seasons of documentary series Future History (APTN).
Jennifer's most recent accolade was the 2020 Canadian Screen Award for Best Director Factual for Future History. She has also maintained a successful acting career, with roles in Degrassi TNG, Republic of Doyle, Take This Waltz, Blackstone, Hard Rock Medical, and Cardinal. Her standout performance in Empire of Dirt, which she also produced, earned her a nomination for Best Actress (Cara Gee),Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Podemski),Best Editing (Jorge Weisz),Best Film (Jennifer Podemski),and a win for Best Screenplay, making Shannon Masters the first Indigenous woman to receive this honor.
In 2020, Jennifer launched The Shine Network, a digital platform designed to amplify the voices of Indigenous women content creators and provide professional development opportunities to Indigenous women. Through Redcloud Studios Inc., Jennifer has been dedicated to creating and producing Indigenous content through an Indigenous lens, while building capacity and creating opportunities within the screen sector for aspiring Indigenous storytellers. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to her craft, Jennifer Podemski continues to be a driving force in the Canadian film and television industry.
