VoVo Productions

03/28/2024

The Gitanyow Nation’s fight to protect their traditional territory against industry, climate change, and colonization is vividly captured in Farhan Umedaly’s award-winning short film, ‘HA NII TOKXW: Our Food Table’ featuring Dr. David Suzuki.

The 40-minute documentary will take center stage at the opening night of the inaugural Festival on Friday, March 29th, as part of ‘Environmental Night,’ a curated selection of four films that celebrate the beauty and resilience of nature while advocating for crucial conservation efforts.

“The timing of this presentation couldn’t be more important,” says Joel Starlund/Sk’a’nism Tsa ‘Win’Giit, Executive Director of the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs.

“Intense wildfires are predicted for this summer, and Indigenous communities are on the front lines. As Gitanyow’s glaciers melt and watersheds dry from climate change, LNG development looms over our territory, threatening our food security and way of life.”

Following the screening, an engaging question and answer session with the filmmaker and Starlund promises to ignite meaningful discussions on environmental stewardship.

04/16/2023

The story of the Wilp Wii’Litsxw Meziadin has had a global reach over the past year. Our has been seen by thousands across Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas at numerous having earned some of the accolades seen here. We would like to thank the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs for trusting us with this important story, their story. It is beautiful to see this film become an important tool to bring people around the and to help protect a truly sacred place.

05/25/2022

While in the fall of last year our film HA NII TOKXW: Our Food Table (link in bio) screened at - This helped launch an protected area for the nation that will protect from mining and other industrial activity. We are honoured to be able to do this meaningful work

05/24/2022

Some unique perspectives of district in the region of . We travelled to lake to film ecologically sensitive for an upcoming film. The here is harsh, unforgiving and rugged - a total contrast to the and of the ethnic people who live here. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they undergo a time of uncertainty and instability in already difficult circumstances .tj

05/24/2022

Nothing good comes easily. Time, patience, tenacity, the right tools and commitment to telling the story. I believe the animals can sense our intentions, so when you’re working to protect them and the ecosystems that they’re apart of, they seem to show themselves and lend their support.

03/01/2022

We are on a mission to empower others through positive storytelling, especially the original storytellers of our lands - Check out our free film indigenous-focused film program happening this spring

Our program is FREE. You’ll never pay for what we offer. So why do we do it? We believe that your story matters.

02/08/2022

This is Lax Kwaxl (Dundas Island) - the traditional territory of the people on the North Coast of British Columbia - every year they come here to harvest and collect seaweed from the edges of rocks along the unforgiving, open seas. We came here to document this process in a to help preserve these for future generations. It is a magical place filled with spiritual energy - you can feel it. The water is crystal blue, the , pure white sand, and at night you hear the howling of wolves under the brightest stars you’ve ever seen.

02/02/2022

It looks like a painting - but this is very much a real of the corridor in the remote region of . This is the native land of the people who follow the interpretation of . This area is rich with a vibrant and where many communities live alongside the . The road beside this river is actually the - the trade route which brought silk and spices from the farthest reaches of all the way to

01/17/2022

Posted • "HA NII TOKXW: OUR FOOD TABLE" featuring David Suzuki and the indigenous Gitanyow people of Northern British Columbia. Producer & Director, Farhan Umedaly. Official selection to the 2022 WCFF.

The WCFF mission is to inform, engage and inspire wildlife conservation through the power of film
The 12th year anniversary in New York, October 14-20, 2022 at the Cinema Village Theater. Film screenings, panel discussions, networking, receptions and more. Additional dates at other venues: TBA.

                               

01/14/2022

2 days until Freeland Film Festival! We can't wait for you to watch the inspiring films we have selected for the festival.

Film spotlight of the day: HA NII TOKXW: OUR FOOD TABLE

The story of the indigenous Gitanyow people and their struggle to protect their traditional lands and "food table" in the face of climate change, industrialization and colonization in Northern British Columbia.

Director: Farhan Umedaly
Length: 39 minutes
Country: Canada

Don't forget to check out our lineup of amazing films like this one and purchase your virtual festival pass (25 USD) at the link in our bio to watch any of the films online at any time from January 13-15.

You can also pay 200 Thai Baht at the door if you are in Bangkok and would like to join us in person at the Foreign Correspondents' Club! Check out the in-person festival schedule in Bangkok at this link:
http://www.freelandfilmfest.org/2022-festival-schedule/

11/10/2021

Even in late , the or is filled with warm and . Today we filmed at the second highest botanical in the , in the mountain village of

11/07/2021

is fast approaching here in in the heart of the - but even when the biting cold comes, the kindness, warm hospitality and hot chai are always there. .tj

11/01/2021

This is Vrang in the valley along the ancient - here , and converge where trade routes once flourished.

10/31/2021

In the past few days we traveled through the along the border to train two from the Communications & Media Program at with our gear. We believe can be a powerful tool for lifting up the voices of and here in and all over the world. Empowering women is the key to a better .

09/30/2021

Today is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Here is some truth from David Suzuki
https://vimeo.com/619253738

The story of the indigenous Gitanyow people and their struggle to protect their traditional lands and "food table" in the face of climate change, industrialization…

09/22/2021

Some coverage for our new production produced in partnership with the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/documentary-gitanyow-protecting-way-of-life

There is a link to view the film and sign our petition in the article.

Please share! This film is about supporting an indigenous protected area. We need your support.

Ha Nii Tokxw, a new documentary based in Northern British Columbia, follows the story and struggles of the Indigenous Gitanyow people.

05/27/2021

are comparable to and in being the most productive in the - it is no surprise then that they are equally under the threat of increased and - we must not forget that @ British Columbia

05/21/2021

Captured on my over - you can see the intact and snowmelt that are the lifeblood of critical that communities depend upon for their survival and health. These are the hidden frontlines of @ British Columbia

05/21/2021

Yesterday I spent 3 hours with this and her as they woke from their winter slumber in territory in - just a few years ago was legal in and this moment may never have become reality. Thank you to all those who fought tirelessly to stop the killing of these magnificent, loving and majestic beings.

04/09/2021

Flashback to late when we began perhaps one of the most important we have been tasked with. I will never forget the moment Hereditary Chief Wii Litsxw lifted his staff in the air asserting is domain of his territory after I interviewed him on the top. All is not certain though. Here in the Lake Watershed in climate change is causing to melt and recede faster than ever. Soon they will be gone. Glaciologist, Matt Beedle, can be seen beside me with a clear expression of dismay as we document how this is unfolding. Will this that is the lifeblood of the have a fighting chance? @ British Columbia

04/02/2021

Today, I had a beautiful ride around - sometimes you need to take a step back and to give yourself a new perspective. @ West Vancouver, British Columbia

01/15/2021

Ice is just beginning to form over in (Gitanyow Territory). This place has a spiritual energy I cannot describe in words, you have to feel it for yourself. It deserves to be conserved as an protected area. Do you agree?

11/25/2020

Make a film for free. If you live in BC or Alberta join us and our partners, and , and learn how to make a documentary film that reflects your community. You bring the story idea, we'll provide the training, mentorship and production assistance, virtually. No experience necessary. Apply before Dec 10 at STORYHIVE.com/Community/Stories.

11/20/2020

Today I interviewed my friend and for our upcoming focused - What do you think about his message?

11/02/2020

This is which is part of the of the southern - we are here to a about the of this