Georgina Lightning | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation(s) | Director, screenwriter, actress |
| Notable work | Older Than America |
| Children | 3, includingCody Lightning |
Georgina Lightning is aFirst Nations film director, screenwriter, and actress.
Born inEdmonton,Alberta, she is an enrolled member of theSamson Cree Nation. She was raised off-reserve, near theSamson community in Edmonton, Alberta.
In 2007, she was featured inFilmmaker Magazine as one of 25 New Faces of Independent Film. In 2010 she was the recipient of the "White House Project- Epic-Award for Emerging Artist".[1] She co-founded Tribal Alliance Productions, partnering with executive producer Audrey Martinez, as a means to create opportunities forNative American,First Nations, and otherIndigenous filmmakers.[2]
In 2008, Lightning directed, wrote, and starred in the supernatural thriller filmOlder Than America, becoming the firstNorth American Indigenous Woman to direct a major feature film.[3] The film won several major awards at film festivals. She based the film on her father's experience with theCanadian Indian residential school system and other personal family stories.
Lightning is an outspoken advocate for First Nations and Native American causes, working towards a greater appreciation and awareness of the intrinsic value of North American Indigenous cultures to not only Indigenous people themselves, but to society in general.[4] In 2020, she criticised the TV showBig Sky due its lack of cultural sensitivity to the Indigenous community.[5]
Her three children are either currently or previously working actors. They areCrystle Lightning,Cody Lightning, and William Lightning.
At the9th Canadian Screen Awards in 2021, she received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her performance inTrickster.[6]
| International | |
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| National | |
