Producers’ Bios and Past Work Experience
David Poisey
Director, Producer, Cinematographer Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada
"David was born in January 1954 in Kivitoo, located to the north of Qikiqtarjuaq. His early life was shaped by his time spent between Kivitoo, Qikiqtarjuaq, Iqaluit, and Pangnirtung.
Throughout his youth, David traveled extensively with his parents, experiencing the traditional ways of life both on the land and at sea. After many years away, David returned to Pangnirtung in 1984, where he settled with his wife, children, and grandchildren."
David has been deeply involved in the field of graphic arts for much of his life. His career in filmmaking began in 1972 with the Nunatsiakmiut Film Society, where he gained invaluable experience and helped introduce the first television to community members. In 1977, David further honed his skills by attending Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario, where he earned certification in film and television technology.
Over the years, David has become a highly respected figure in television production, with a wealth of experience that is unmatched in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. His work includes filming in the challenging and often extreme polar environments, capturing not only the stunning wildlife of the North but also intimate, conversational interviews with Elders, all through the lens of his camera. David's dedication to preserving and sharing the stories of his people and the land has made him an influential figure in the development of Northern media.
David has always had an unwavering passion for teaching video production, and it’s a love that has only grown stronger throughout his career. Over the years, David has taught in numerous communities across Nunavut, sharing his expertise and nurturing the next generation of storytellers. His workshops have reached from small, remote communities to larger hubs, empowering individuals with the skills they need to bring their own unique stories to life through the power of film.
What sets David apart as a teacher is not only his deep knowledge of video production but also his genuine care for others. People naturally gravitate towards him, drawn to his approachable demeanor and his willingness to lend a helping hand, no matter the circumstance. Whether he’s patiently answering questions, providing feedback, or offering encouragement, Dave is always there to lift up those around him. His dedication to his students goes beyond teaching technical skills; he takes the time to nurture their confidence and foster a sense of pride in their work.
David Poisey’s Past Work Documentaries:
Starting Fire with Gunpowder, Directed by David Poisey
Edge of Ice, Cinematography/Sound Engineer by David Poisey
I was born Jan 1954 in Kivitoo, North of Qikiqtarjuaq. I grew up between there, Qikiqtarjuaq, Iqaluit and Pangnirtung. I traveled quite extensive with my parents on the land and sea. After absence of many years I returned to Pangnirtung in 1984 Where I live with my wife, children and grandchildren. I have always been involved in graphic arts, I began my career in film making in 1972 with the Nunatsiakmiut Film Society. I went to Mohawk College in Hamilton Ontario for certification in film and television technology in 1977.
The following are the highlights of film productions I have been involved in:
1976 - Summer in Broughton Island - 30 min - Director/Photographer - Nunatsiakmiut Inc Kaujajuk - 30 min - Graphic Animator/Cameraman - Nunatsiakmiut Film Society
1978 - Arctic Ed - 30 min - Photographer Sound Man - GNWT - Dep of Education
1979 - Koukdjuak Crossing - 20 min - Sound Man - GNWT-Dept of Renewable Resources
1980 - Rope to our Roots - 30 min - Cameraman - Inuit Circumpolar Conference
1987 - Edge of Ice - 55 min - Assistant Cameraman & Sound Man - National Film Board & Nunatsiakmiut - co-production
1988 - Not a World Apart - 17 min - Director/Photographer - Inuit Tapirisat of Canada
1989 - Pangnirtung Print Makers - 25 min - Sound Man - Dow Canada
1990 - Between Two Worlds - 45 min - Assistant Cameraman - Investigative Productions / Tamarack Productions
1991 - Starting Fire with Gunpowder - 60 min - Director - Nunatsiakmiut / NFB - co-production
1992 - Return to the Arctic -60 min - Location Assistant - Tokyo TV 12
1992 - The Inukshuk Vintage - 30 sec - Location {Assistant Director} - Canadian Heritage
1998 - Bay of the Giants - 60 min - Wildlife assistant Cinema Photographer - Documentary of Bowheads on Baffin Island - BBC Discovery Channel
1999 - Nunavut Inaugural Ceremony - Live Show Camera Operator
1999 - Waiting at the Edge - 60 min - Location sound man /Assistant - Documentary on northern sealing
1999 - The Fate of the Land…. in their Hand - 60 min - Location Sound man/Assistant And video production instructor for Nain, NL local staff
2000/01 - Mother of the Sea Beast - 45 min - Location Sound Man - Archivist TriadFilms
2001 - Inuit Piqusingit Series - Director - Location Camera Trainer - Inuit Communications Systems Ltd (ICSL)
2002 - Safe Travel in Nunavut - Cameraman - Parks Canada
2003 - Sleep Murder - Boom operator - Sleep Murder Productions - Halifax - Filmed in Iqaluit, Nunavut
2003 - Thats Funny Series - Director & Location Trainer - Inuit Communications Systems LTD
2004. - Diet of Souls - 30 min - Sound Man - Triad Films Halifax
2004 - Nunavut Elders Series - Director / Photographer - ICSL
2004 - Quit Smoking Infomercial - 30 sec -Director / Government of Nunavut / Health
2005 - Lypa’s Outpost Camp, Cumberland Sound - 30 min - One man Crew- ICSL
2005 - Big Hello - 45 min - Sound Man - NFB & City TV - Toronto
2005 - Hockey Story in the North - Camera Operator - TSN
2006 - Home Coming - Isuma Productions - Director Photography
2008 - Bowhead Hunt - Kinnguliit Productions - Director Photography Igloolik
2009 - What would they think of us - 30 min - Kiviktoo Relocatee Story - Director Photography
2011/13 - Film workshops in Nunavut - Trainer - Camera - Nunavut Film Development Corporation - 8 communities in Nunavut
2015 - Cree & Inuit Reconciliation in Kuujjuaraapik - 60 min - Director of Photography - Kinnguliit Productions
2016/22 - Nunavut Young Hunters Program - Director of Photography - Arctic Connextions - Quebec City
2020 - Slash/Back - 1HR 26min - Feature Movie - Still Photographer - Filmed in Pangnirtung, NU
2023 - Guardians - Young Hunters Program - Director of Photography - Taloyuak - Arctic Connextions
2024 - Migration of the Caribou - Camera work for Arcticonnextion - Taloyoak, NU
2024 - Polar Bear Stories from Nunavut, Greenland and Nunatsaivut Dep’t of Fisheries Camera work from Pangnirtung and interviews from elders and hunters.
2024 - 13 Series production I assisted in the last series in camera work family reunion And again, Director of Photography, reunion pt 2 of homeland before a mining railroad is constructed.
The work I have received recognition for are the Nunavut Coat of Arms designed along with 2 other artists. The Igloo I designed, the qulliq lamp and the plants are my design. I was also commissioned to design a tapestry wall hanging for the air terminal in Pangnirtung by Uqqumiut Arts & Craft Center in Pangnirtung. I was also commissioned to do graphic art and photography for a pamphlet called Our Daily Bread for the Government of the NWT about sealing importance for Inuit - Dept of Renewable Resources.
Awards
Best Documentary - Starting Fire with Gun Powder - Two Rivers Film Festival Minneapolis USA 1991
Best Native Director - Starting Fire with Gunpowder - Native American Film and Media Celebration, Lincoln Centre, New York, June 1992