Sarah Podemski is an Anishinaabe/Ashkenazi actress and multidisciplinary artist from Toronto, Canada who has been passionate about recreating the Indigenous narrative that has been misrepresented since the beginning of cinema. Sarah got her start in the performing arts at the young age of 11 when she acted in her first role in the German television series Blue Hawk. She hasn’t looked back since. We had the opportunity to speak to her about her blossoming career.
Congratulations on your career to date. You started your career at the young age of 11. Your first role was in the German television series Blue Hawk. Tell us more about that experience.
It was pretty crazy, I got to experience working on set, and learning how to be professional at such a young age. But it was so fun, and really made me fall in love with set life, and the film industry, and the collaborative spirit of working on a project.
In 2015, you received an acting award from the American Indian Film Festival for your performance in the TIFF selection Mekko. Can you tell us more about the film and its impact on your career?
This was one of my favorite experiences I have ever had. The film is so special and was received so well, and so many people have reached out over the years to let me know how the film has opened their eyes or moved them. That’s the best reward for me when you can work on a project that affects people and can amplify a community that is so underrepresented on screen.
Quite rightly, you’re passionate about recreating the Indigenous narrative that has oftentimes been misrepresented on screen. With this in mind, what do you look for when considering parts and projects?
Authenticity. I now know to make sure there are Indigenous producers or writers involved in a project that is touching on Indigenous content. There were too many years of non-Indigenous people telling our stories, and they weren’t portraying the narrative accurately. Having Indigenous people on all levels of production is really important for me when considering any project.
With recent powerful movements such as Black Lives Matter, and #MeToo, do you see notable changes within the film and TV industries?
Totally, it has been super slow up until now, but most people are now at least aware of the systemic issues affecting every industry especially the film industry. I am seeing more inclusion now, and I think it’s a really exciting time for the BIPOC creative community! It will take time to get to the place of equity and parity we need to be in, but I am seeing big bold moves, and many people becoming allies in the fight for equality!
You have a recurring role in the new sci-fi mystery series Resident Alien airing now on SYFY. Can you tell us more about the series, your role, and what we can expect?
I play Kayla, Asta’s cousin, she is a great friend and support to Asta in a really difficult time. I haven’t read the last few episodes, so it’s as much a surprise to me as it will be to everyone else! The show is hilarious though, and so layered, it’s really unique and I think audiences are really resonating with the investigation of what it means to be human!
You will be appearing in the third season of Coroner. Can you share any of the storyline, plots, or twists related to your role?
I play an artist who comes into Donovan’s life and gives him an escape from the trauma of his job and his life. It is a really lovely storyline, and I was so happy I didn’t have to be around any fake corpses!
Please tell us more about your projects outside acting – Totem Designs, and the Shine Network
I have a company called Totem Designs, and I make handmade dreamcatchers! It really came out of a need for authentic Indigenous-made art. I was seeing so many non-Indigenous people appropriating traditional practices and art forms, and I said to myself, you can actually do something about it, and stop complaining! So, I created Totem Designs and it took off! I was able to be at the 2019 One of a Kind Show in Toronto, and that opened me up to a huge audience, and I was able to share my work, and also share the importance of buying Indigenous art from Indigenous artisans.
The same thing happened with Shine! My sister Jennifer started building this platform for Indigenous Women in the media industry, and I wanted to be a part of it. I am really passionate about exposing the systemic struggles Indigenous women face in the media sector and wanted to help create a safe space to amplify voices, mentor, and share resources for them! It’s been super rewarding, and exciting to see the incredible talent we have, and hear their stories of resilience, and watch them thrive.
Can you share any information on other projects you may have in the pipeline?
My husband and I just got a green light for a short documentary series that we will be shooting this summer. We love working together, and we will get to profile and celebrate entrepreneurs and artists we love, in and around Cambridge, Ontario, which is where we live!
As an ambitious artist and business owner, are there any goals you’ve set yourself for 2021?
I’ve learned not to set any goals! This year has taught me to take my time, and roll with the punches, and enjoy the moments of joy, and surrender to all the insanity that we can’t plan for. I’m focusing on balance, and self-care, and leading projects with integrity, and being kind.
Where can our readers find out more about you and your projects?
My website is now up which is very exciting! You can find me at www.totemdesigns.ca and on Instagram at @_totem_designs_ and Twitter @sarah_podemski
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