FILMs

In the QUIET

and the DARK

documentary film
streaming cbc gem
2023
director, d.o.p.,editor

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of an Eastern Hemlock forest, the film follows the passionate people fighting to save it from an invasive tree-killing insect, in hopes of preventing ecological catastrophe. Bringing into focus the extraordinary beauty and tragedy of the forest, In the Quiet and the Dark asks us all to examine our role as humans on this planet.

PRODUCED BY TERESA MACINNES
SEA TO SEA PRODUCTIONS

The DELIVERY LINE

documentary FILM
in production, 2023
DIRECTOR, DOP,

At the edge of the earth, on the borders between cultures and countries, on the front lines of war, poverty, isolation and migration...women are still giving birth. And midwives are risking everything to help them. The Delivery Line documents the stories of midwives from around the globe –Afghanistan, Mexico, Colombia, Malawi and Canada’s Arctic - who are saving mothers and their babies from the perils of their surroundings and creating a safe space to bring new life into the world.

BEHIND the

BHANGRA BOYS

documentary film
streaming cbc gem 2019
director, producer, d.o.p., editor

Behind the Bhangra Boys is a joyous look at culture, immigration, activism and community through the experience of the Maritime Bhangra Group. Going beyond the group’s dance and viral videos, we follow the five Sikh men as they seek connections in First Nations communities to raise awareness for Climate Change and our planet.
DISTRIBUTOR: Film Option International

CONVICTION

feature documentary film 2019
co-Director, d.o.p, co-editor

Conviction envisions alternatives to prison through the eyes of women behind bars and those fighting on the front lines of the decarceration movement. An emotional and authentic look at a society that needs to stop imprisoning their most vulnerable.

Produced by SEA TO SEA PRODUCTIONS and THE NATIONAL FILM BOARD of CANADA

SEALS OF SABLE

DOCUMENTARY FILM
2019
COMPOSER, SOUND DESIGN

Sable Island, NS, is home to the largest breeding colony of grey seals in the world. Over the course of a year we will get to know the seals and meet the scientists who have been studying them for over 40 years. Known as one of the planet’s greatest natural laboratories on earth, it is one of the most well recognized marine mammal research projects that attract biologists and researchers from around the world.

Produced by SEA TO SEA PRODUCTIONS and CBC Nature of Things

I AM TODAY

COMMERCIAL SHORT
2019
CO-DIRECTOR

Contracted by Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)

Meet Rupesh, Praise, and Marwa, three youth who came to Canada as refugees. Their experiences shape them, and their dreams drive them.

Produced by CLOTHESLINE MEDIA

AGA KHAN

FOUNDATION

web videos 2018
dIRECTOR, Photographer

Contracted by the Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan Development Network, Ackerman spent several months in Central Asia documenting development programs for the famous NGO that helps communities all over the world.

Produced by JOURNEYMAN FILM COMPANY and AGA KHAN FOUNDATION, OTTAWA

SAFE AT SEA

documentary short
2015
DIRECTOR

Created to commemorate the tragic deaths of the 5 crew members of the Miss Ally, a fishing boat that went down in one of Nova Scotia’s brutal winter gales, this emotionally charged short film looks at fishing safety through the eyes of those affected the most. Safe at Sea aims to bring awareness to one of the most dangerous occupations in Canada.

Produced by JOURNEYMAN FILM COMPANY and NOVA SCOTIA SAFE AT SEA ALLIANCE

FOUR FEET UP

documentary film
2010
Director, editor, cinematography

An intimate look into child poverty in one of the richest countries in the world. 20 years after the House of Commons promised to eliminate poverty among Canadian children, As the portrait of a family unfolds with the help of Isaiah's creative input, curiosity and zest for life, so do my own feelings about the responsibilities of Canadians to raise all children as our best investment in the nation's future.
Produced by the NATIONAL FILM BOARD
of CANADA

COTTONLAND

documentary film
52 mins 2006
DIRECtor, composer

An exploration of the havoc prescription painkiller OxyContin wreaked in the already devastated Cape Breton coal-town of Glace Bay. Demystifying the world of the addict while showing us the complex social nexus that led to such despair, the film emphasizes the importance of a social collective and economic approach to tackling addiction.

Produced by the NATIONAL FILM BOARD
of CANADA

LITTLE THUNDER

animated short
2 mins 2009
Director, composer

Inspired by the Mi'kmaq legend "The Stone Canoe" Little Thunder explores Indigenous humour and the important moments in our lives. We follow Little Thunder as he reluctantly leaves his family and sets out on a cross-country canoe trip to become a man. Created and co-directed with the world famous, Mi’kmaq artist, Alan Syliboy, Little Thunder was created for the Vancouver Olympics in honour of Canada’s Indigenous storytellers and artists.

Produced by NFB and APTN

CARRY ME HOME

documentary short
13 mins 2015
Producer, DOP, Director

A short film moment in time that documents Mi’kmaq artist Alan Syliboy as he creates a giant canvas for the Halifax International Airport. The film explores journeys, life, family, love, arrivals and departures all in four days at the airport.

Produced by HEARTSTRING PRODUCTIONS and REDCRANE PRODUCTIONS

FID

documentary short
8 mins 2007
Producer, Director

A poignant, beautiful look at a small journey for Fidelis Cameron, a 102 year old organ player. Fid, who entertains residents at the Villa St Joseph du Lac home for the elderly with her elegance and piano recitals every day, travels from her room atop the converted CN Hotel down to her beloved organ to play. The organ was given to her by her daughter years ago, just before Leukemia took her life. 

Produced by HEARTSTRING PRODUCTIONS and RPM PRODUCTIONS