Jessie Anthony, a proud and talented Haudenosaunee woman, was born and raised within the storied and culturally significant Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, nestled in the heart of Ontario, Canada, and deeply rooted in the rich history and traditions of the OnondagaNation and Beaver clan.
With a burning passion for the art of filmmaking, Jessie seized the opportunity to develop her skills and pursue her dreams, graduating with distinction from the esteemed Indigenous Independent Filmmaking Program at Capilano University, where she earned a Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts degree.
Her impressive academic achievement is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to her craft, as she successfully navigated the program and emerged as a highly skilled and knowledgeable filmmaker, poised to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
Jessie's extraordinary and comprehensive portfolio of achievements in the film industry is characterized by the production of a standout feature film, "Brother, I Cry", which has received widespread critical acclaim and numerous esteemed awards and honors, thereby cementing her reputation as a gifted and accomplished filmmaker of exceptional talent and distinction.
Notably, Jessie's remarkable talent and dedication to her craft were showcased in the esteemed 2020 B.C. Emerging Filmmakers Award-winning film "Brother, I Cry" at the renowned Vancouver International Film Festival.
The film in question garnered the prestigious Audience Choice Award at the 2020 imagineNative Film Festival, a distinction that serves as a powerful endorsement of its broad appeal and the profound influence it exerted on the viewing public.
Jessie's remarkable talent for storytelling was aptly recognized with the prestigious Best Screenwriting Award at the 2021 Vancouver International Women's Film Festival, where her exceptional narrative skills and capacity to craft captivating stories were showcased through her work on "Brother, I Cry".
Jessie's remarkable film garnered a prestigious double win at the 2021 Leo Awards, taking home the highly coveted Best Screenwriting and Best Direction in a motion picture awards, a testament to her impressive range of skills and her ability to excel in multiple facets of filmmaking.
Jessie's remarkable achievements on the film project "Brother, I Cry" garnered significant attention and accolades, as she was distinguished as a Telefilm Talent to Watch winner, a highly esteemed recognition that celebrates her exceptional talent and remarkable contributions to the cinematic industry, acknowledging her potential for future success and her noteworthy impact on the world of film.
Jessie's impressive professional trajectory has not been limited to her remarkable work in feature films, as she has also demonstrated exceptional versatility as a producer, playing a pivotal role in the creation of the highly acclaimed and culturally significant Indigenous Queer series, Querencia. This groundbreaking series has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, including a well-deserved nomination for the esteemed Canadian Screen Awards.
Querencia, a pioneering television series, not only serves as a testament to Jessie's remarkable ability as a producer, but also embarks on a profound exploration of crucial social concerns, thereby making a substantial and impactful addition to the television landscape.
Jessie's unwavering commitment and unrelenting drive have been instrumental in propelling Querencia's ascent to the pinnacle of success, as it has emerged victorious in the esteemed imagineNATIVE Pitch Competition, a coveted accolade that acknowledges and celebrates outstanding originality and artistic prowess in storytelling.
The series' widespread recognition did not cease to grow, as it secured a major broadcast deal with APTN, a leading Canadian television network, thereby expanding its reach and scope. This monumental achievement was further bolstered by the support of The Bell Fund, a prominent organization dedicated to promoting and developing Canadian television content. Additionally, Telefilm Talent to Watch, a prestigious program that identifies and nurtures emerging talent in the Canadian film and television industry, also came on board, underscoring the series' potential to make a lasting and profound impact on the entertainment industry at large.
Jessie's professional endeavors on Querencia are not only yielding a lasting impact on the television landscape, but also actively contributing to the creation of a more equitable and inclusive narrative paradigm within the entertainment industry, thereby laying the groundwork for a brighter future where diverse perspectives and experiences are not only represented but also celebrated and empowered.
Jessie is a highly engaged and influential figure in the television industry, playing a pivotal role in the creation of a diverse range of television content that has garnered significant support from a variety of esteemed organizations and entities.
These notable supporters include the Canada Media Fund (CMF),a leading organization dedicated to fostering the development of innovative and high-quality Canadian content, as well as Amazon, a global technology and e-commerce giant that has become a major player in the world of television production and distribution.
Additionally, Jessie has also received support from the Independent Screen Office (ISO),a prominent organization that provides funding and resources to independent filmmakers and producers, as well as Creative British Columbia (CREATIVE BC),a government agency that supports the development of the province's film and television industry.
Furthermore, Jessie's work has also been recognized by Bell Media, a major Canadian telecommunications company that has a significant presence in the television industry, including the ownership of several popular networks and channels.
Jessie has successfully wrapped up a writer's room for a novel, Indigenous television comedy series, cleverly christened "Acting Good", in a fruitful partnership with CTV. This groundbreaking project has the potential to infuse a unique and refreshing perspective into the world of television comedy, offering audiences a fresh take on the genre.
Jessie has had the privilege of assuming a mentorship role as a director on the highly acclaimed and award-winning television series "The Handmaid's Tale", alongside the renowned and Emmy award-winning cinematographer and director, Dana Gonzales, who has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and expertise in their craft.
