As an (Metis/Ojibway) child growing up in Winnipeg, Canada, I experienced poverty, alcoholism and violence during my childhood. My father died when I was six months old. Following in my older brother’s footsteps, I then entered a life of crime. At the age of twenty- nine, I received a nine year sentence for my involvement in organized crime and drug trafficking. This proved to be a turning point in my life. While incarcerated, I began to upgrade my education in prison. Released on parole in 2003, I enrolled in a broadcasting course, took acting and worked on various film sets and television studios. However, I soon realized that I wanted to create my own films and became a self-taught filmmaker. In 2011, I decided to attend University of Winnipeg. I wanted to acquire more theory behind my skills. It was not an easy decision to make, and I experienced considerable self- doubt in the beginning. University has broadened my perspective and has inspired me to learn and grow as a filmmaker. I have demonstrated my commitment to the art of filmmaking through my work and studies over the past fourteen years. In this time, I have made many films with either no budget or little financial support. I have accomplished a body of work which reflects my progress and potential as a filmmaker. I have overcome many obstacles in my life and have persevered to build a better future. The personal obstacles I faced as a child and young adult have served as an impetus for my professional development. I have not wavered in my pursuit of my career goals. I want to make a meaningful contribution to the world through the art of film, and to be a member of a multi-cultural international film community. My hope is that others who have been marginalized in their lives will also be motivated to follow their dreams and passions. I am the only person in my family who has attended University, and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Film Studies.