Jennifer Podemski boasts 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.

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.

Driven by a profound desire to address 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 gracefully balanced her acting pursuits, gracing screens with her talent in popular shows like Degrassi TNG, Republic of Doyle, Take This Waltz, Blackstone, Hard Rock Medical, Cardinal and the upcoming comedy Don’t Even for Crave. 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.