World-renowned artist, filmmaker, and social activist Alanis Obomsawin, recipient of the Vancouver Biennale Distinguished Artist Award, unveils 53rd film at the Vancouver International Film Festival on October 2nd and 3rd. Vancouver, Canada – The Vancouver Biennale will present world-renowned Abenaki filmmaker, singer, artist, and activist Alanis Obomsawin with the Vancouver Biennale Distinguished Artist Award during the October 2nd screening of her 53rd film, Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger, which is being unveiled as part of the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). The octogenarian Obomsawin (born August 31, 1932) is primarily known for her documentary films about human rights issues faced by Indigenous communities. She will be in attendance for a Q and A at the film’s screenings on October 2nd and 3rd. In keeping with the Vancouver Biennale mandate for highlighting art as a catalyst for learning, dialogue and social action, the Distinguished Artist Award acknowledges Obomsawin’s passion for social justice, and her commitment to using the power of storytelling through documentary film as a conduit to education.

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