creators
Nance ackerman
director/writer/DOP/
Editor
I have been creating stories through imagery for a very long time. My work tends to explore social issues, strength, humanity and women. This project has kept me up at night, made me cry, laugh, feel hopeless, hopeful and inspired...all at once. It has been an honour. LEARN MORE
Ariella Pahlke
DIRECTOR/WRITER/SOUND
I’ve collaborated with groups, institutions, and individuals on various forms of media art and documentary projects for 25 years, challenging the status quo through art and community activism. I’m deeply grateful to the women in Conviction who continue to provoke us all to wonder why things are the way they are.
Teresa Macinnes
PRODUCER/DIRECTOR/writer/
EDitor
I have been making documentary films for 30 years and am passionate about telling stories that confront social justice and inequality. As Conviction screens in communities across Canada, I am inspired by the hope and compassion shown by all those involved with this film.
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Annette clarke
Producer
Executive Producer at the National Film Board of Canada's Quebec and Atlantic Studio. The best documentary stories intersect art and heart. All the women, and a few great men, behind the making of Conviction are listening deeply to each other – to find a beautiful emotional story in the unlikeliest of places.
Bianca Mercer
COLLABORATOR
I'm 25 years old and incarceration, addiction, abuse on every level, abandonment and depression held me back from being who I truly wanted to be. Now an ex-con turned advocate – sober, with so much life left, I finally am happy. My life experiences have made me a strong, independent and fearless woman who is on a path to change the justice system and the conditions inside prisons in Canada. I've never felt so free in my life.
TREena smith
collaborator
I am 34 years old and I feel at my best when my hands are digging in the earth. I have struggled with addiction, and incarceration for most of my adult life. Most days it seems there will never be an end to my self-destruction, but I am hopeful that change will happen. I'm passionate about sharing my life's experiences to give understanding to others in similar situations – to help.
LAURA TONEY
collaborator
I was raised in the Mi'kmaq Annapolis Valley First Nation. I've been keeper of my faith inside Burnside and hold smudges with other inmates. I find my peace in nature, but have struggled with mental health issues and addiction. I love to paint and hope to work with women to create better housing and supports in Mi'kmaq communities when I get out.
caitlin hill
collaborator
I got involved in this to make sure people understand about Borderline Personality Disorder and mental illness. I want people to know we need more for us suffering from Borderline inside our prisons and on our streets. I am a self harmer and need support outside. I really like to take photos and painting shapes and flowing rivers, it calms me.
TANYA BIGNELL
COLLABORATOR
In my ten years in Corrections, I’ve always had a passion to help the offenders because we are all only one bad choice away from what would put us all in jail. Ultimately my dream would be to become a support system in the community for women, I want to be their biggest fan and cheerleader.
Our Musical Collaborators at NOva institution for women
DONNA VAUGHAN, LUDIVINE LaTULIPPE, JULES CÔTE, KATELYN GIGGY-SMITH, VANESSA VENIERIS, JODIE McCULLOCH, DIANE POTHIER
ADDITIONAL creators and crew
JUDITH
GRUBER-STITZER
music and sound
BECKY PARSONS
additional cinematography
KALIYAN PALMER
location music recordist
MEGAN WENNBERG
production manager
JORDAN KAWAI
assistant editor
MEAGAN BROWN
assistant editor
CBC documentary CHANNEL
JORDANA ROSS, Production Executive, SUE BAKER, Manager, Business and Rights
NATIONAL FILM BOARD ATLANTIC
ROSLYN POWER, Production Supervisor, CHERYL MURGATROYD, Production Coordinator
CHRIS MACINTOSH, Media Management
Produced by Conviction Pictures in co-production with the National Film Board of Canada,
in association with documentary Channel, with the participation of Canada Media Fund,
in collaboration with Société Radio-Canada and with the support of the
Nova Scotia Production Incentive
