Cowboy Smithx facts for kids
Cowboy Smithx was born on January 31, 1982. He is a filmmaker from the Blackfoot people. His family comes from the Piikani Nation and Kainai Nation in Southern Alberta, Canada. Cowboy Smithx has worked on many films. He has acted, helped produce, and directed short films and music videos. One of his most famous works is a documentary called Elder in the Making. This film is about reconciliation. It helps people learn how to build better relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada.
Becoming a Filmmaker
In 2008, Cowboy Smithx worked as a youth helper in East Vancouver, Canada. He worked for an organization called KAYA. KAYA stands for the 'Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association'. Cowboy Smithx also studied filmmaking. He graduated in 2008 from the Indigenous Independent Digital Filmmaking Program. This program is at Capilano University.
His film, Elder in the Making, is an important learning tool. It can be used in Alberta schools. It helps students learn about Indigenous ways of knowing. Cowboy Smithx believes young people today can use media. They can use it to speak up for change in their communities. He also started the REDx Speaker Series. This series helps create a space for reconciliation. It brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together. Cowboy Smithx owns his own film company. It is called Eccentricus Imagery. It has been in Vancouver, B.C. since 2005.
Film Projects
Cowboy Smithx has worked on several film projects:
- October 2016: Cree Code Talker - He co-produced this film with Alexandra Lazarowich.
- September 2016: Elder in the Making - He co-produced this documentary with Chris Hsiung.
- 2013: Music Video - Dancin' on the Run - He produced this music video.
- 2013: Music Video - Red Winter - He co-produced this music video.
- November 2011: Music Video - 2 Hour Parking - He directed this music video.
- July 2011: Bloodland - This was a short experimental film. Cowboy Smithx had an acting role in it. Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers produced it.
- September 2005: Crookz - Cowboy Smithx had an acting role in this film.
Awards and Recognition
Cowboy Smithx has received awards for his film work:
- April 2017: Cowboy Smithx and Alexandra Lazarowich were nominated. Their film, Cree Code Talker, was nominated. It was for best short non-fiction film. This was at the 2017 Alberta Film and Television Awards.
- May 2016: Elder in the Making won an award. It was for best documentary over 30 minutes. This award came from the Alberta Film & Television Awards. It was also from the Alberta Media Production Industries Association.
- April 2016: Cowboy Smithx and Alexandra Lazarowich won first place. This was at the HotDocs Bravo Factual Short Film Pitching Competition. They used the prize money to help make the Cree Code Talker short film.
