Who is Dennis Allen
Dennis Allen is an exciting and engaging multi-disciplinary artist originally from the frontier town of Inuvik, Northwest Territories. A gifted storyteller, Dennis' work translates seamlessly between film, music, writing, and story-telling. From a long line of ancient Inuvialuit and Gwich'in storytellers, Dennis is a bona fide raconteur. With a slew of awards, and a hat full of accolades, Dennis Allen was born to entertain.
Award Winning Filmmaker
Dennis Allen has trekked clean across the north from one end to the other to bring you award winning and thought provoking films. Whether using pack dogs to carry his camera gear along an ancient Dene walking trail, or skidoo-ing across the high Arctic with a camera strapped to his back, Dennis is a fearless director who stops at nothing to get the story told. He gives his audience an honest and refreshing first hand account of life North of 60.
"I love your films! The honesty is refreshing."
Recorded songwriter
Any self-respecting northerner can sing at least one classic tear-jerker. It was a mandatory right of passage and Dennis is no exception. With two CD's of original music, ranging from hell raising gospel, to blistering blues, Dennis sings and plays with the emotion and purity of classic performers from a different era.
"One of the my highlights from the 2011 Dawson City Music Festival"
Tim Huss, Canadian Songwriter
Accomplished Writer
2023 Edmonton Story Slam Winner, Winner of the 2021 Sally Manning Award for creative non-fiction, long listed for the 2019 CBC Short Prose competition, finalist in the 2015 Writer's Union of Canada Short Prose Competition, and regular contributor to What's Up Yukon, Dennis has gained a loyal legion of followers for his unapologetic yet often hilarious take on life in the north.
"Dennis Allen writes with passion and compassion, a journalist's power of observation with the gift of storytelling. I look forward to reading more writing from Dennis Allen."
-Shelagh Rogers CBC Host
Hopeless Storyteller
Dennis Allen is a born story-teller. With his quick wit and unbeatable come-back, Dennis' story-telling sessions are an absolute joy. With an infectious smile and easy-going personality, Dennis puts his audience at ease, then holds them there in the palm of his hand. From a long line of storytellers, Inuvialuit on his father's side, and Gwich'in Indian on his mother's, Dennis Allen brings life to the rich characters and life experiences of the people he's known throughout the north.
"Keep telling your stories Dennis. The world needs them."
Educator and Facilitator
Dennis Allen is an ambassador for the north. Dennis builds bridges by giving audiences new insight into Inuit and northern world views. Passing his professional knowledge onto others, Dennis also facilitates seminars to encourage and foster the art of filmmaking in schools and communities. Through his own lived experience, Dennis gives workshops on issues facing Indigenous men.
"Thanks Dennis. I learned so much from you."