Production is underway in Vancouver on The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open from co-writer and directors Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (pictured) and Never Steady, Never Still‘s Kathleen Hepburn.

A copro between Vancouver’s Experimental Forest Films, Vancouver-based Violator Films and Norway’s Film Farms, The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open follows a chance encounter between two Indigenous women who come from different experiences as they navigate the aftermath of domestic abuse. The drama stars Tailfeathers and Violet Nelson.

The feature marks Tailfeathers’ directorial debut. Production runs until April 9, 2018.

Lori Lozinski from Violator Films, Tyler Hagan from Experimental Forest Films and Alan R. Milligan of Tannhauser Gate and Film Farms are all producers on the project.  Never Steady, Never Still alum Norm Li is also signed on as director of photography.

In conjunction with the production, Telus Storyhive has provided support to launch an Indigenous Youth Mentorship program for 16 to 28-years-olds to work with filmmakers and gain experience. Jade Baxter from the Nlaka’pamux Nation will be working with Tailfeathers and Hepburn.

The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open is funded by CBC’s Breaking Barriers Film Fund, the Indigenous Screen Office and the Norwegian Film Institute.

Tailfeather was recently named the 2018 recipient of the Sundance Institute Merata Mita Fellowship, which awards an Indigenous filmmaker a grant, a trip to the Sundance Film Festival and access to creative and strategic services from the Sundance Institute artist programs.