The directorial debut of a Cree woman originally from Samson First Nation in Hobbema has been nominated for a prestigious filmmaking award.
Georgina Lightning wrote, produced, directed and stars in Older Than America, a full-length feature film that explores the disturbing history and lasting impact of Native American boarding schools.
Her project has been nominated for the EPIC Emerging Artist Award 2010, which is hosted by the White House Project.
The White House Project is an American nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that strives to advance women’s leadership.
Older Than America is one of 12 films nominated for the annual award.
The winner was to be announced Wednesday evening in New York City.
The film also stars Adam Beach of Law and Order: SVU, Bradley Cooper of The Hangover and Tantoo Cardinal of Dances with Wolves.
Lightning previously acted in television shows such as The West Wing and Walker, Texas Ranger among other projects.
Filmmaker’s magazine listed Lightning as one of the 25 New Faces of Independent Film in 2007.