Tanner Zurkoski

Tanner Zurkoski is a third generation indigenous media maker born in Prince Rupert BC and raised in Sto:lo, Nuu-Chah-Nulth, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territories. He has been involved in film since his mother, documentary filmmaker Nitanis Desjarlais, had him logging and transferring mini DV tapes of her footage and interviews taken from the front lines of the indigenous resistance movements of the early 2000's. His Kokum Cleo Reece, is one of the founding members of the first indigenous film festivals in Canada, and his Grandfather Victor Reece was a well known Tsimshian Carver. Tanner Studied film production at York University in Toronto, and went on to write, direct, and produce an award winning comedy series for Canal+ entitled "The Village Green". Since returning to BC he has had the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented filmmakers and hone his skills on American TV movies, feature documentaries, series, and animation. And feels the pressing need to tell authentic indigenous stories in both his professional and creative work. His Crave short film "Whale" is focused on issues of language revitalization and cultural resurgence. Following a young boy returning to his estranged community and how that community opens to guide him. The short was supported by the Harold Greenberg Fund, Bell media, and the Netflix accelerator fund through the CFC. Tanner hopes to continue to develop both as a professional and champion authentic Indigenous storytelling in the Canadian production landscape and as a creative filmmaker in his own right. Most recently through a hybrid animated documentary project focusing on Nuu-Chah-Nulth history on the west coast of Vancouver island.