Georgina Lightning facts for kids

Georgina Lightning is a talented film director, writer, and actress from the Indigenous communities of Canada. She is known for her work in movies and TV shows, often sharing important stories from Indigenous cultures.

About Georgina Lightning

Early Life and Background

Georgina Lightning was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She is a member of the Samson Cree Nation, which is one of the many First Nations groups in Canada. Even though she is part of the Samson Cree Nation, she grew up outside of the main community, near Edmonton.

Her Journey in Film

Georgina Lightning has made a big impact in the film world. In 2007, Filmmaker Magazine recognized her as one of the top 25 new faces in independent film. A few years later, in 2010, she received the "White House Project- Epic-Award for Emerging Artist."

She also helped start a company called Tribal Alliance Productions. She created this company with Audrey Martinez. Their goal was to help create more chances for Native American, First Nations, and other Indigenous filmmakers to tell their stories.

Directing Older Than America

In 2008, Georgina Lightning directed, wrote, and starred in a movie called Older than America. This was a very important moment because she became the first North American Indigenous Woman to direct a major feature film.

The movie won many awards at different film festivals. Georgina based the film on difficult experiences from her father's past and other personal family stories. This helped bring important issues to light through her art.

Speaking Up for Indigenous Cultures

Georgina Lightning is a strong supporter of First Nations and Native American causes. She works hard to help people understand and value the rich cultures of Indigenous peoples in North America. She believes these cultures are important not just for Indigenous people, but for everyone in society.

For example, in 2020, she spoke out about a TV show called Big Sky. She felt the show did not show enough respect or understanding for the Indigenous community.

Her Family and Acting Career

Georgina has three children who are also actors. They are Crystle Lightning, Cody Lightning, and William Lightning.

In 2021, Georgina was nominated for a major award at the 9th Canadian Screen Awards. She was recognized for her excellent acting in the TV series Trickster, where she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

Movies and TV Shows

Georgina Lightning has acted in, directed, or produced many films and television series. Here are some of her notable works:

• Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (1995) – She played Morning Dove.
• Yellow Wooden Ring (1998) – She played Sissy Blea.
• Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World (1998) – She provided additional voices.
• My Brother (1999) – She played Mother.
• Walker, Texas Ranger (TV, 1998-1999) – She appeared in two episodes.
• Backroads (2000) – She played Mary Lou.
• Johnny Greyeyes (2000) – She played Georgina.
• Christmas in the Clouds (2001) – She played Louise.
• Cowboy Up (2001) – She played Brenda.
• The West Wing (TV, 2001) – She played Maggie Morningstar Charles in one episode.
• Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (TV, 2002) – She played Lainie Proudfoot in four episodes.
• Dreamkeeper (TV, 2003) – She played Crystal Heart and was also an associate producer.
• Sawtooth (2004) – She played Lucy and was also an executive producer and producer.
• Hanbleceya (2005) – She was a co-producer.
• Ghosts of the Heartland (2007) – She played Tani.
• Older than America (2008) – She was the director, writer, and played the main character, Rain.
• Blackstone (TV series, 2011) – She played Tracy Bull in the first season.
• Trickster (TV series, 2020)
• Pipe Nation (Canadian TV series, 2021)
• Three Pines (TV series, 2022) – She played Arisawe Two-Rivers.