Overview:
Groundbreaking Cree filmmaker, actress, writer and producer Georgina (Georgie) Lightning died Saturday at age 63. Her death was confirmed Sunday by her daughter, Crystle Lightning, who remembered her mother as a matriarch, role model and confidant.
Groundbreaking Cree filmmaker and actress Georgina (Georgie) Lightning died on Saturday. As a filmmaker, the multi-talented Lightning was a writer, director and producer, in addition to being an actress with a strong presence on screen. Her death was confirmed by her daughter, Crystle Lightning, on Sunday. Georgina Lightning was 63.
“I have lost my mother, my sons Kohkum, my matriarch, my role model, my confidant,” Crystle posted on her Facebook page.
Lightning was at the Indian Relay at the Enoch Rodeo Grounds on the Enoch Nation this weekend filming. She was reportedly hit by a horse that was off track while she was in the media area.
“Chief and council extend our most sincere condolences to the family,” reads a statement issued by the Enoch Cree Nation. “Our community is grieving, and we are holding them in our thoughts and prayers.
“The nation is working with the appropriate authorities as they conduct their investigation, and we will support that process fully. Out of respect, we will not be speculating on the circumstances.”
A tribal citizen of the Samson Cree Nation, Lightning grew up away from the First Nation reserve in Edmonton, Alberta.
She co-founded Tribal Alliance Productions with executive producer Audrey Martinez. Lightning’s official biography identifies Martinez as her business partner. They started the production company to provide opportunities for Native American, First Nations and other Indigenous filmmakers.
In 2007, Filmmaker Magazine featured Lightning as one of its 25 New Faces of Independent Film.
She directed, wrote and starred in Older Than America, which was released in 2008. Starring Indigenous actors Adam Beach, Tantoo Cardinal, and Wes Studi, the film dealt with her father’s experience in the Canadian residential school system and other personal family stories. American Indian Movement (AIM) co-founder Dennis Banks also had a role in the movie.
With her directorial debut in Older Than America, Lightning became one of the first Native American Indigenous women to direct a major feature film.
The film established Lightning as a strong voice in Native filmmaking. It won 23 awards at film festivals.
Her other screen credits include Johnny Greyeyes, DreamKeeper, Blackstone, Trickster, Three Pines, Alaska Daily and Buffalo Daze.
