Cree-Language Kokum & Dot Begins Filming

Ekosi Productions has begun filming the Indigenous children’s series Kokum & Dot, which will feature the Cree language, for TELUS.

Helmed by director and producer April Johnson (Reginald the Vampire) and starring Indigenous actor and musician Renae Morriseau (North of 60), the series is inspired by the life and work of Elder Dorothy Visser, a language instructor and educator who uses puppetry to teach Cree language and culture to children.

In every episode of Kokum & Dot, Dorothy engages with Dot—a rod-arm hand puppet who represents Kokum’s inner child—and asks about Dot’s day. When Dot struggles to find the right words to describe how she feels, Kokum Dorothy introduces new Cree words to help her explain herself. These works then inspire Kokum to share a childhood memory with an important message.

In addition to introducing Cree vocabulary, each episode’s theme will center around one of Cree culture’s seven guiding principles: love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth. Kokum Dorothy will touch upon one principal in every story she shares.

The series is written by Jules Koostachin (Angela’s Shadow, Molly of Denali) and features original music by Morriseau’s music group M’Girl, recorded by Ben Kaplan.

Kokum & Dot is being produced by Ekosi Productions and Second Son. It was made possible with the support of TELUS Independent, Creative BC, IPF/CMF and the Indigenous Screen Office.

“Each episode of Kokum & Dot illustrates the power of language, the beauty of imagination and honors the wisdom and experiences of elders,” Johnson said. “It also serves as a gentle reminder of the special bond between elders and young learners.”

“TELUS independent is proud to walk beside this luminous, heart-centered children’s series,” commented Christina Willings, head of production for TELUS Independent. “Kokum & Dot will anchor the Cree language in some of children’s earliest memories of media and storytelling and speak directly into the development of community values for Indigenous and settler children alike. We are thrilled to help bring this series to Indigenous and Canadian audiences.”