Jennifer Podemski

President & CEO
Redcloud Studios Inc

Jennifer Podemski has built an impressive career as a director, writer, producer, and actor. Hailing from Toronto but proudly calling Barrie, Ontario, her home, Jennifer's artistic journey has been shaped by her rich Anishinaabe (First Nation) and Ashkenazi (Jewish) heritage. 

A registered member of Muscowpetung Saulteux Nation in Saskatchewan, Jennifer has dedicated her career to amplifying authentic Indigenous stories and perspectives through her work as a storyteller.

Jennifer's acting career took flight with a standout performance as Sadie in Bruce McDonald's iconic film, Dance Me Outside. This breakthrough role garnered critical acclaim and solidified her position as a prominent figure in Canada's film and television canon.

Committed to addressing the underrepresentation of Indigenous voices in the entertainment industry, Jennifer pivoted to producing in 1999. She co-founded Big Soul Productions, a ground-breaking Indigenous-owned and operated full-service film and television production and post-production company. The company went on to produce an array of compelling content, including documentary television series, scripted short films, and the highly praised, all-Indigenous dramatic television series, Moccasin Flats, which aired on Showcase Television and APTN.

In 2005, Jennifer branched out independently, establishing Redcloud Studios Inc., where she continues to create, produce, write, and direct remarkable content. Notable works under her belt include five seasons of the captivating paranormal television series, The Other Side, and the award-winning feature film, Empire of Dirt, dramatic series Rabbit Fall and Unsettled, award winning documentary series Future History and most recently, the award-winning, critically acclaimed limited series Little Bird for Crave and APTN.

Alongside her career as a director and producer, Jennifer has maintained a presence on screen as an actor most notably on shows like Degrassi TNG, Sarah Polley’s Take This Waltz, Blackstone, Hard Rock Medical, Cardinal, the new Crave comedy series Don’t Even, and the debut feature film from directors Eva Thomas and Ryan Cooper. Among her proudest achievements is her leading role in Empire of Dirt, which earned her a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and recognition for Best Screenplay, breaking barriers for Indigenous women in the industry.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Jennifer's passion for empowering Indigenous voices led her to establish The Shine Network Institute in 2020, a Canadian not for profit dedicated to advancing the careers of Indigenous women within the screen, media, and creative arts sectors.

Her long list of awards and recognitions include; The Weengushk Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award; The Reel World Film Festival and Institute Award of Excellence; ImagineNative Film Festival and Institute’s August Schellenberg Award of Excellence; Canadian Screen Award Board of Directors Tribute Award; The Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal; The Birks Diamond Tribute Award and The ACTRA Award of Excellence.

Jennifer continues to strive for equity and inclusion of Indigenous people within Canada’s screen sector.