Educator
Building Bridges
Dennis Allen has been building bridges between his audiences for twenty-five years. Dennis' film screenings and lectures are an education in northern Indigenous cultures, their philosophy, and their world views, Dennis is an ambassador for the north and it's people. His approach is inviting and non-judgemental, allowing others to venture past their comfort zones and into an inviting space which allows room for all. Click the chat box to send us a message or request a screening.
Filmmaking Workshops
The north is rich with stories. Dennis gives back to his community by teaching students how to use film as a medium to tell those stories. Dennis has travelled across all three northern territories giving workshops to schools, at festivals, colleges, and with community organizations. Dennis’ ease of communication and mastery of the art make it easy for students to understand the many aspects of filmmaking. From producing hard hitting documentaries, to scripting original short dramas, students get first hand experiences in the art of filmmaking. Click the chat box to send a message or request a workshop.
Healing workshops
The north has been exposed to generations of trauma. The early harmful effects of European contact, the ensuing racism, and the residential school era, all left a lingering residue of substance abuse, incarceration, family violence, and low self-esteem. As documented in his films, Dennis not only witnessed the trauma, but lived it. Through years of difficult self-searching and painful growth, Dennis recovered from debilitating substance abuse. As part of his service back to the community, Dennis took a six-year hiatus from filmmaking to work with federally incarcerated inmates to help them find identity, work through trauma, and eventually make their way back to their families and community. Through creativity and trust, Dennis uses those same tools to offer to communities men’s healing workshops. Dennis tailors his workshops to fit clients needs, whether it is just to plant some seeds, or an intensive week long immersion. Dennis will work with your budget and timelines. Click the chat box to start a conversation with Dennis about his workshop packages.
Healing Workshops
Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
Working with caregivers, Dennis lead a week long intensive on recovery from addiction and helping men transition from the prison system back into society.
The Moccasin Project
Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
Using creative ways to connect to federal offenders, Dennis initiated "The Moccasin Project" while working with Corrections Canada. Donated moccasins helped the inmates connect, some for the first time, with their culture.
Finding Identity
Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
Finding Identity
Working with schools, friendship centres, and organizations, Dennis works with youth on Cultural Empowerment. With creativity and "outside the box" thinking, Dennis connects and influences students on a deep personal level.