Filmmaker, Andrea Sadler
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1962, Andrea Sadler studied Journalism at Carleton University for one year and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production in 1987 from Concordia University, in Montreal, Quebec. She supported her education by working as a fashion model which segued into singing and acting. Over the years, Andrea has also worked as a production assistant, location scout, sound recordist, props master, set decorator, videographer, film editor, photographer, event organizer, interviewer, director, teacher and actor/educator.
Andrea Sadler’s first film, The Red Shoes, which she wrote, shot, produced, directed and edited in 1987, received international acclaim, appearing in numerous film festivals over the years, including the Berlin film festival in 1988 and the Canadian Festival of Independent Cinema in New Delhi in 1997. In 1989, she produced, directed and edited, Mythologies in which she also acted.
Following extensive travels in Asia, and three years of teaching English & French in Japan, she produced and directed the documentary film The Sacred Run, the lotus and the feather. It was broadcast on the Hallmark channel, screened at the Cannes Film Festival and was shown at other international festivals. Andrea has presented The Sacred Run doc to various international conferences, schools, libraries and workshops. She has also created multi-media events around the film and looks forward to doing more such events. Local environmental, social and humanitarian groups are invited to set up booths along with local indigenous people and performers to share and celebrate.
In 2006, Andrea Sadler married Master Storyteller, Jonathan Kruk. They have collaborated together as Actor / Educators, leading the successful workshop, “Shakespeare is Elementary” for Grades 3, 4 & 5 and other programs. Along with videotaping, editing and photographing her husband’s performances she hopes to complete a short film, Yuki Ona, which was shot in Japan and is now working on a feature film script and a Children’s Television Series. Andrea is an activist for peace, social justice and environmental issues and has hosted peace walkers as well as joined other walks. She continues to act and promote her film, The Sacred Run, the lotus and the feather.
Letter from the Filmaker, Andrea Sadler
March 24, 2011
To all who are interested in making a difference,
The Sacred Run, the lotus and the feather, a feature length documentary film shot in Japan over 50 days, documents the historic coming together of indigenous people and supporters from around the world to celebrate unity and peace. The run which was organized by American Indian Leader, Dennis Banks and his many volunteers, carries the simple message that “All Life is Sacred”. Running along the Japan Sea Coast, these messengers of hope covered the entire length of Japan, finishing in Nagasaki and Hiroshima on the 50th anniversaries of the atomic bombing of those cities.
The Sacred Run film reflects indigenous people as keepers of profound spiritual knowledge. Not only does the film portray First Nation culture but we hear from non-natives who are bridging Native spirituality with their own roots. The run, besides being a positive alternative to the cynicism often found in modern society, is also the external action which often precipitates the participants’ individual spiritual journeys. The transformation of the individual is the key to peace. Dragonfly Films has made an inspirational film which reveals the spirit of the Run to further the message of peace and the importance of returning to a harmonious relationship with the earth and all living things.
The film is finished and is doing well on the festival circuit but the bills are not paid yet and I am still raising money to promote the film and to organize events. Dragonfly Films is a one woman company and the film is a labour of love that took eight years to complete due to the challenges of fundraising and being a first time documentary producer. The fundraising continues; to enable me to continue promoting the film and to pay off the debts incurred form making this film. Your donation or purchase of a DVD(s) will be a contribution to the costs owed to the sound studio and the promotion costs. Although I am not currently in the position to offer an official charitable tax receipt for any donations, please be assured that your donation will be used towards furthering the message of peace, taking care of our planet and each other and raising awareness about the interconnection of all life.
I continue to tour with the film in schools and community centers to raise awareness by giving presentations and creating or participating in multi-media events where the focus is on positive action and cultural exchange. I invite local speakers along with spiritual, social and environmental organizations to set up information booths as well as artists and the First Nations community to share their thoughts , prayers, songs and dance. If you who would like to purchase a DVD copy of the film, would like me to present the film or would like to be a sponsor, a patron or get involved in future consciousness raising events, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your interest and support!
Sincerely, Andrea Sadler (the filmmaker)
Andrea Sadler
Filmmaker
Dragonfly Films Inc.
Toll Free: 1-800-578-4859
adragonflysadler@ gmail.com