Puppets, Cree Language & Filmmaking with April Johnson | Between Two Pints

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This week on Between Two Pints, Rob sits down with writer/director April Johnson, the heart and mind behind Kokum & Dot — a brand new children’s series teaching Cree language and culture through puppetry, gentle storytelling, and animated adventures.


Check out the YouTube video here https://youtu.be/Tx3-UufRo2I


We chat about:

-Building a proof of concept during the pandemic

-The challenges (and joys) of directing puppets

-Finding inspiration in an 86-year-old Cree language teacher

-Indie filmmaking, ADHD brain chaos, and staying motivated

-What it really takes to go from grant to greenlight


April shares behind-the-scenes details on working with a puppet performer, building a cozy studio kitchen set, and why this show might be the Mr. Dressup for a new generation. If you’re into Canadian content, Indigenous storytelling, or just love puppets and chaos, this one’s for you.


Links

• April Johnson Instagram  

 https://www.instagram.com/aprilej/


• Kokum & Dot Instagram  

 https://www.instagram.com/kokumanddot/


• Kokum & Dot Facebook  

 https://www.facebook.com/61565963827412


• Kokum & Dot Proof-of-Concept Trailer  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-_b1lsxndM