Director’s Biography
Virginia Barter is a Toronto based historical writer and filmmaker. She is a graduate of the Film & Television Production and Post-Production Program at Trebas Institute. Her student film, HEARNE, tells the story of the English explorer Samuel Hearne and the French attack on Fort Prince of Wales in 1782. As writer, producer and director, Virginia won several honours for this short film project at the Trebas International Student film Awards in 2010, including Best Picture, Best Sound Design, Best Music and Best Actor (Stephen Cullen as Samuel Hearne). At graduation, Virginia also received the David P. Leonard, Special Achievement Award for her outstanding efforts.
HEARNE was also showcased at the Lucerne International Film Festival in October 2011. Virginia is continuing to develop HEARNE as a feature film.
Virginia is also the Producer and Host of a new television series, URBAN ABORIGINAL. This innovative show highlights the rich and culturally diverse contributions that Aboriginal people bring to life in the City of Toronto. (2011-12 season on Rogers TV Toronto) The series was nominated for a Golden Sheaf Award at the 2012 Yorkton Film Festival.
As an historical writer and storyteller, Virginia also produces films and books on Canadian and Aboriginal history for the educational market. Projects include “Dare to Be Deep” – Gwaii Haanas Ocean Conservation Tour and The 2010 Batoche Métis Dance Competitions. Her film and workshop presentations have earned her special recognition by the Ontario Arts Council. This year she is a featured artist on the OAC Aboriginal Artists in the Schools Roster (2011-12) and (2014-15).
Currently she is producing and directing a new documentary, “People of the Buffalo”. It’s the story of a native family on a modern day bison ranch in Manitoba and how their lives are guided by the spirit of the buffalo and the old traditional ways.