Marie Clements, a celebrated Canadian Métis artist, has made a profound impact in the world of theatre, television, and film, having been born on January 10, 1962.
Clements, a multifaceted writer, has embarked on a diverse array of creative endeavors, traversing the realms of film, television, radio, and live performance.
Her theatrical productions, a testament to her innovative approach, delve into complex themes such as racism, sexism, and violence, masterfully intertwining Aboriginal storytelling, ritual, and Western theatrical conventions.
Through this distinctive fusion, Clements' work often challenges and reframes dominant Western historical narratives, providing a platform for the acknowledgment and celebration of alternative perspectives and stories.
In the year 2001, Clements embarked on a pivotal endeavour, establishing the Urban Ink Production Society, a pioneering endeavour that brought together Indigenous and multi-cultural theatre artists under one roof. As the artistic director, she played a pivotal role in shaping the company's creative vision and produced an impressive array of over a dozen new works that graced the mainstage. One of her most notable productions was the play Burning Vision, which received widespread acclaim and went on to tour nationally, leaving a lasting impression on audiences across the country. Furthermore, Burning Vision garnered recognition at the highest level, earning a nomination for the prestigious 2002 Governor General Award, a testament to Clements' innovative spirit and artistic prowess.
Clements embarked on a pioneering journey in 2010, establishing the Working Pajama Lab, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to crafting compelling stories and developing innovative content across a diverse range of mediums, including film, television, digital media, and live performance.
That same year, Clements received a prestigious commission to create the spectacular closing performance for the Aboriginal Pavilion at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, an experience that inspired the birth of red diva projects, a production company committed to producing a wide array of Indigenous films, electrifying live performances, and captivating multi-media works.
Clements' inaugural production, a short film rendition of the closing performance, titled The Road Forward, garnered widespread recognition and accolades, including the prestigious Best Music Video award at the esteemed American Indian Film Festival.
This notable achievement was further solidified by the film's receipt of the audience award for Best in Show at the highly respected Native American Film & Video Festival of the Southeast.
In addition to these honors, Clements' subsequent production, The Edward Curtis Project, received a 2013 PuSh Festival award, a testament to its artistic merit and excellence.
Furthermore, The Edward Curtis Project accumulated a total of eight additional nominations, a testament to its widespread recognition and acclaim within the industry.
Moreover, Clements' work was also recognized with an Ottawa's Circle Award, a prestigious honor that acknowledges outstanding contributions to the world of film and performance.
Marie Clements, a multi-talented individual, has achieved significant success through her own production company, Marie Clements Media, which has produced a variety of projects, including the feature-length documentary film, The Road Forward.
The Road Forward premiered at the prestigious Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, and its subsequent screenings at the 2017 DOXA Documentary Film Festival and the 2018 ImagineNATIVE Film Festival garnered widespread attention and acclaim.
The film's impressive accolades include five Leo Awards, a testament to its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Additionally, it received the AIFF Best Director Award, further solidifying Clements' reputation as a masterful filmmaker. Moreover, The Road Forward was recognized with a nomination for Best Documentary Screenplay from the Writer's Guild, a nod to the film's engaging and informative storytelling.
Noted Canadian filmmaker, Clements, made a significant impact with her war drama film, Red Snow, which resonated with audiences globally and earned widespread recognition. The cinematic masterpiece received the prestigious Audience Award for Most Popular Canadian Film at the 2019 Vancouver International Film Festival, a testament to its widespread appeal.
Furthermore, Red Snow garnered an impressive 10 Leo Award nominations, a feat that underscores its excellence in the industry. The film's accolades did not stop there, as it went on to win awards at the esteemed Edmonton International Film Festival, the L.A. Skins Festival, and the AIFF, a trifecta of recognition that solidified its status as a standout in the world of cinema.
In addition to the film's numerous accolades, Clements herself was recognized for her outstanding direction, earning a nomination for the Directors Guild of Canada Best Director Award. This recognition serves as a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to her craft, cementing her position as a talented and accomplished filmmaker in the industry.
Clement's illustrious career has been marked by a multitude of esteemed residencies, which have provided her with unparalleled opportunities to hone her craft and share her expertise with others. One such notable residency was her tenure as playwright in residence at the prestigious National Theatre School of Canada, where she had the privilege of collaborating with and learning from other talented individuals in the industry.
Furthermore, Clements has also held the position of playwright in residence at the renowned Banff Centre for the Arts, a hub for creative expression and artistic innovation. This residency allowed her to immerse herself in a vibrant community of artists and thinkers, and to draw inspiration from the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
In addition to her work at the Banff Centre, Clements has also held residencies at the Firehall Arts Centre, a leading arts organization in Vancouver, and the National Arts Centre, a prominent cultural institution in Ottawa. These residencies have provided her with the chance to explore new ideas, experiment with different forms and styles, and develop her unique voice as a playwright.
Moreover, Clements has also had the opportunity to share her expertise and passion for playwriting with the next generation of artists through her writer-in-residence positions at several Canadian universities. At Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia, she has had the privilege of working closely with students, guiding them as they develop their own writing skills, and inspiring them to pursue their creative dreams.
Clement's profound influence on the Canadian theatre scene has been aptly recognized by the esteemed Theatre Research in Canada journal, which has dedicated a special issue in her honor, a testament to her unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements in the field.
Throughout her illustrious career, Clements has received a plethora of prestigious awards, including the 2018 WFF Women on Top Award, a distinction that acknowledges her outstanding contributions to the world of film, and the WIFTTV Spotlight Impact Award, a recognition of her profound impact on the industry.
In addition to these accolades, Clements was also bestowed the 2019 Telefilm Canada Birks Diamond Tribute to Women In Film, a prestigious honor that celebrates the remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication of women in the film industry.
