Hollywood Very North: Simeonie Kisa-Knickelbein Steps Forward into Film and Shoe Production

When it comes to film, Simeonie Kisa-Knickelbein is building a career in Hollywood North… very North. Born and raised in Nunavut, they own a film production company called Northern Border Studios and a shoe making company called Midnight Sun leather, which specializes in handmade shoes made from seal leather. They are also helping open an independent gym focused on youth and functional fitness.

They got their start in film through their partner at their time whose parents were very interested in photography. When word spread they were doing photography, Kisa-Knickelbein was hired as a camera assistant despite having no professional experience. After the season of the show they were working on came to a close, they went to Nunavut Sivuniksavut. They went on to audition for Outlander and while they were not first selected, someone who was chosen backed out so they spent six weeks in Scotland filming the show. They came back, completed Nunavut Sivuniksavut and worked in film more until they opened their production company.

The early days of their company were slow but Kisa-Knickelbein had opportunities to work with Red Mirror Media and work on higher caliber productions. Initially, they thought they would be interested in the technical side of filmmaking but they ended up introduced to the more logistical side of things and really enjoyed that more. Their first Assistant Director role was on a show called Slash Back.

Growing up, Kisa-Knickelbein wasn’t sure what they wanted to do. Their dad thought they should be a cook because they enjoyed cooking. They did a Skills Canada competition and won nationals for cooking, then placed last for nationals but first for the dessert portion. They wanted to be a cook or an electrician before going into film. Lately, they have been focused on their nutrition and have been considering certifying as a nutritionist.

Since working in film, Kisa-Knickelbein did programs with the Whistler Film Festival and they are currently participating in a Northern Producers Program which is a collaboration between the Whistler Film Festival and the Independent Production Fund. They have had a lot of support and encouragement from Nunavut Film but haven’t gone to school or had any formal training for the work they are doing now.

Their advice for Indigenous students that are interested in this field but aren't sure how to start is,

“Everyone wants to help you. No one wants to see you not succeed. Everyone that I've spoken to within film has been super helpful, whether they're people that have like myself, who are new within the filmmaking world and still trying to find their footing, or people that have worked on like the biggest shows or movies imaginable, just reach out. People are so happy to help anyone, because we all understand how difficult it is trying to make it within the film industry.”

When it comes to obstacles, when Kisa-Knickelbein got started in film they only wanted to do camera operating. Since then, they have had many opportunities to try different things and that allowed them to continue working in film. “If I had been dead set on only being able to offer this one service or this one thing, I think I wouldn't have been able to go past where I am now. Now that I am trying to do more production, assisting, directing and literally if you need me to do something, I will figure out how to do it, just so we can keep this ball rolling. Because as soon as things stop, they're hard to get back up going again,” they explain.

If they could give a message to their younger self it would be one based on a talk they heard at Nunavut Sivuniksavut. The main idea was they don’t have to become a political figure to be successful, they can just be themselves. “That was one of the big reasons why I started wanting to try to do less political work or explore more of the creative side of things, because I found it more important to me and if I find it more important to me, I should pursue that. So just listen to your intuition, listen to your gut. If people are telling you they wouldn't do it, just say, ‘Well, you're not. I am,’” they reflect.

To balance their mental health, Kisa-Knickelbein attends to their nutrition and exercise, following a plan but being flexible about it. They spend time on the land, boating, skiing, and going to their cabin. They are working to create more of a work life balance and integrating a pomodoro technique to take breaks when working. They also take time to spend with friends and family instead of working all the time.  

When it comes to inspiration, Kisa-Knickelbein is looking to execute creative work but also trying to survive financially in Nunavut which can be very expensive and work can be limited. This scarcity sparks a lot of creativity and can mean looking at grants and finding ideas of projects that might fit that align with your interests. Working on North by North was a project they enjoyed as it involved so many people they loved on a large team and while it still felt like work, it was a positive experience.

One of the projects Kisa-Knickelbein is working on is to create a northern skit based comedy and their first shoe collection they hope to release will be in early 2025. The gym they are looking to open will follow in the fall or winter of 2025. They welcome anyone interested in working in film, shoes, exercise or nutrition to reach out to them.

Building a career in film, Simeonie Kisa-Knickelbein is doing it behind the scenes in production in Hollywood North… very North, alongside people they love, in the place they love. They believe in putting your best foot forward, in their handmade sealskin shoes and building on your strengths with a gym for functional and youth fitness. This multi-passionate entrepreneur is trying new things, creating work and opportunity.