Jump to content

Draft:Donna Davies

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  • Comment: While potentially notable, too many unreliable sources are used. Do not use iMDB links, WordPress blogs or other similar blogs. Rambley (talk) 00:11, 21 June 2025 (UTC)

Donna Davies

[edit]

Donna Davies is a Canadian filmmaker (director, writer, producer) from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Donna currently resides in Halifax, NS, and is the owner of Ruby Tree Films[1], a television and movie production company.[2][3]

Life

[edit]

Donna grew up in an eclectic working-class neighborhood, watching her grandmother read people’s tea leaves.[4]

Donna initially wanted to be a writer but was concerned about how to make a living.[4] She studied Literature and Journalism, earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in French Language and Literature from Université Sainte-Anne, and Broadcast Journalism from University of King's College[5] “I did really well but I didn’t want to do newsy stories, it didn’t interest me.”[4]

Career

[edit]

Donna is known for her love of horror and related dark entertainment: “I do really enjoy the paranormal, supernatural, dark themes; I am not a very light, fluffy person. I got into witchcraft when I was 7; my grandmother was a fortune-teller.” After journalism school, she focused on writing and directing corporate videos and tv commercials.[4]

Her foray into film-making began with a number of short dramatic films; one of her earliest efforts was as producer/writer on the 1991 National Screen Institute Drama Prize recipient “Gasoline Puddles,”[6] where she partnered with writer/director Shandi Mitchell.[7]

Her first long form documentary, produced after years of research, was Kitchen Goddess (1999).[8][9] This hour-long film is a personal look at the roll of fortune-telling ‘wise women’ in small Maritime communities, and the subject matter brought her to the attention of a wider audience.[10][11]

Her 2001 National Film Board of Canada film “A Sigh and a Wish: Helen Creighton's Maritimes”,[12] a feature length documentary on the life and work of folklorist Helen Creighton,[13] cemented her growing reputation as a respected documentary film-maker known for bringing overlooked cultural histories to national and international audiences. “Helen Creighton was probably the quintessential lady of Canadian folklore,” says Davies. “In her lifetime, she published 12 or 13 books of folklore and stories and published over 4,000 traditional songs. She made culture in The Maritimes accessible to people all over the world.”[14]

Donna took another opportunity to explore supernatural themes with Shadow Hunter (2005), a thirteen-episode series[15] she wrote, directed and co-produced on the subject of the paranormal in Atlantic Canada, hosted by parapsychologist Darryl D.B. Walsh.[16][17]

Donna followed up with the long form documentaries Zombiemania (2008)[18], a look at zombies and the undead in modern media culture, and Pretty Bloody: The Women of Horror (2009)[19], focusing on the roles of women in the horror movie genre. Both films brought her to the attention of horror fans.[20]

Donna once again turned her eye on life in Maritime Canada with two episodes of the CBC series “Land and Sea”.  “Moonshine” (Season 9, 2010)[21] focused on the traditional illicit alcohol industry of Prince Edward Island and “Magdalen Islands” (Season 10, 2011),[22] centered on life in the predominantly French archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence near the Cabot Strait.[23]

During the filming of Zombimania, Donna interviewed make-up effects master Greg Nicotero of KNB FX in Los Angeles.[24]  After hitting it off, Nicotero offered Davies a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes footage he had taken on set of numerous horror films he had worked on; this resource and connection led to the production of her popular documentary Nightmare Factory (2011), which ‘delves inside the high-stakes world of special FX make-up and creature design through the eyes of one of the industry's key players.’[25]

Donna continued her work in the paranormal world with three episodes of Supernatural Investigator, Season 2 (2012-2013)[26], hosted by author Robert J Sawyer, a “critical but balanced look at otherworldly phenomena,”[27] : “Luck,” “The Poltergeist Phenomenon,” and “What are the Odds? Beyond Coincidence.”[28]

She also produced and directed three episodes of the “Apocalypse Series” of “I Prophesy” (Season 3) a paranormal themed series from Vision TV (now Zoomer Television):[29] “Mother Shipton’s Visions,” “The Tesla Conspiracy,” and “Hildegard: Mystic Of The Rhine.”[30]

Her follow-up documentary feature, Fanarchy (2015)[31][32] was a deep dive into the subject of fandom and the fan-made homage films produced by aficionados of specific franchises (Star Wars, Star Trek, et al), often risking the ire of copyright holders.[4][33]

In 2018, Donna tackled the controversial subject of cannabis advocacy with her one hour documentary “High Hopes: The Business of Marijuana” which she wrote produced and directed for CBC and the Documentary Channel.[34][35]  A half-hour version titled “Cannabis Crusaders” was later released on CBCs “Land and Sea” (Season 17, 2018)[36][37]

In 2021, Donna added the narrative short “Monster Proofing,” to her long list of credits.[38][39]

In 2022 she wrote, directed and co-produced the docu-series “A Hidden History“[40] for Bell Fibe TV which follows a team of researchers as they investigate a centuries old mystery on Prince Edward Island.[41][42]

A skilled writer and director, Donna has also acted as a producer, supervising producer, and executive producer mainly in the documentary/reality field.[43] Recent projects have included subjects as diverse as of scary stories aimed at children, epigenetics, veterinary medicine, speculative engineering, clairvoyance, folk music, murder mysteries, witchcraft and unexplained phenomena. One of her most recent credits is as Executive Producer of two seasons of the documentary series, Creepy Cape Breton,[44] written and directed by Mi’kmaq filmmaker Dawn Wells.[45]

Awards

[edit]

1991 National Screen Institute Drama Prize recipient “Gasoline Puddles.”[46]

2012 Indie Fest: “Nightmare Factory” Award of Excellence.[47]

2012 Maverick Movie Awards: “Nightmare Factory” Winner Best Special FX Make-up.[48]

2012 Rhode Island International Film Festival: “nightmare Factory” Best Documentary.[49]

2016 Screen Nova Scotia Awards: “Fanarchy” Best Documentary.[50]

2016 Boston Sci-Film Festival: “Fanarchy” Best Documentary.[51]

2017 WAVE award for outstanding leadership and vision in the Atlantic Canadian film industry.[52]

2018 Recipient of the Women in Film and Television Award for Best Director: “High Hopes”[53]

2024 Screen Nova Scotia Awards: “Songs of Unama’ki“ (Produced by Davies’ Ruby Tree Films, directed by Mi’kmaw filmmakers Dawn Wells and Jeff Miller, and written by Wells and Davies), winner Best Short Film.[54]

  1. ^ "Ruby Tree Films | A Halifax based Production Company that specializes in the production of high quality, entertaining and compelling films that question the nature of the human condition". Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  2. ^ "Nightmare Factory". Screamfest. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  3. ^ "Membertou filmmaker shines light on Mi'kmaw ghost stories in new TV show | CBC News". CBC. Archived from the original on 2025-02-26. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  4. ^ a b c d e WIFTV (2015-12-21). "Fanarchy: A Feature Documentary by Donna Davies About Fanaticism, Fantasy and Film". Women in Film and Television Vancouver Blog. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  5. ^ Pulling, Nicola (2021-09-17). "Alumni showcase their works at FIN Atlantic International Film Festival | University of King's College". University of Kings College | Halifax, Nova Scotia. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  6. ^ Institute, National Screen. "Drama Prize". National Screen Institute. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  7. ^ "Shandi Mitchell Interview for [EDIT] Magazine, Volume 9". [EDIT]. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  8. ^ Canada, National Film Board of. "The Kitchen Goddess". National Film Board of Canada. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  9. ^ Davies, Donna, The Kitchen Goddess, Donna Davies, Debra Berrigan, Edna Aker, National Film Board of Canada (NFB), retrieved 2025-06-20
  10. ^ October 19, Pam Swedko; 1998. "Davies hopes for good luck with Goddess". Retrieved 2025-06-20. {{cite web}}: |last2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ Moscovitch, Philip (2020-12-15). "Tomatoes and time management". Halifax Examiner. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  12. ^ Davies, Donna, A Sigh and a Wish: Helen Creighton's Maritimes (Documentary), Odile Boyd, Clary Croft, Teresa Doyle, National Film Board of Canada (NFB), retrieved 2025-06-20
  13. ^ "A Sigh and a Wish: Helen Creighton's Maritimes". collection.nfb.ca. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  14. ^ April 3, Distin Dinoff; 2000. "Cellar Door teams with Fitzgerald for Wild Mustard". Retrieved 2025-06-20. {{cite web}}: |last2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ Shadow Hunter (Documentary), Darryll D. B. Walsh, Ocean Entertainment Limited, Sorcery Films, 2005-12-07, retrieved 2025-06-20{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  16. ^ "Darryll D.B. Walsh | Writer, Producer". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  17. ^ "Shadow Hunter | Ruby Tree Films". Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  18. ^ Davies, Donna (2008-01-03), Zombiemania (Documentary, Horror), George A. Romero, Tom Savini, Greg Nicotero, Sorcery Films, retrieved 2025-06-20
  19. ^ "Pretty Bloody: The Women of Horror | Ruby Tree Films". Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  20. ^ "Meet the Pretty Bloody ladies". www.thecoast.ca. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  21. ^ Land and Sea Network | Season 9 | CBC Gem. 2009-10-17. Retrieved 2025-06-20 – via gem.cbc.ca.
  22. ^ Land and Sea Network | Season 10 | CBC Gem. 2009-10-17. Retrieved 2025-06-20 – via gem.cbc.ca.
  23. ^ "Magdalen magnified". www.thecoast.ca. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  24. ^ Barton, Steve (2012-10-11). "Screamfest L.A. 2012: Exclusive - Writer/Director Donna Davies Talks Nightmare Factory". Dread Central. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  25. ^ "Nightmare Factory". Screamfest. 2012-10-20. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  26. ^ "Supernatural Investigator". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  27. ^ Supernatural Investigator (Documentary), Robert J. Sawyer, Ben Mehl, Cindy Sampson, Paradocs Productions, 2008-10-06, retrieved 2025-06-20{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  28. ^ "Supernatural Investigator Season 2 | Ruby Tree Films". Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  29. ^ "I Prophesy: The Apocalypse Series - Vision TV Channel Canada". Vision TV Channel Canada. Archived from the original on 2012-12-31. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  30. ^ "I Prophesy The Future Revealed Season 3 | Ruby Tree Films". Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  31. ^ Davies, Donna (2015-07-09), Fanarchy (Documentary), Chris Bouchard, Denise Crosby, Brett Culp, Ruby Tree Films, retrieved 2025-06-20
  32. ^ "Fanarchy | Ruby Tree Films". Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  33. ^ "OTW Guest Post: Donna Davies - Fanlore". fanlore.org. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  34. ^ "Spotlight on Cannabis Crusaders". Nova Scotia Business Inc. Archived from the original on 2021-10-20. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  35. ^ Davies, Donna (2018-01-28), Cannabis Crusaders (Documentary), Tom Murphy, Ruby Tree Films, retrieved 2025-06-20
  36. ^ Land and Sea Network | Season 17 | CBC Gem. 2009-10-17. Retrieved 2025-06-20 – via gem.cbc.ca.
  37. ^ CBC News Nova Scotia (2018-02-15). Land & Sea: Cannabis crusaders. Retrieved 2025-06-20 – via YouTube.
  38. ^ "Monster Proofing | Ruby Tree Films". Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  39. ^ Davies, Donna, Monster Proofing (Short), Ruby Tree Films, retrieved 2025-06-20
  40. ^ A Hidden History (Documentary), Wayne Ellis, Kaye Hickox, Ralph Yeo, Ruby Tree Films, 2022-12-20, retrieved 2025-06-20{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  41. ^ "A Hidden History: Atlantic (History)". TV Passport. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  42. ^ "A Hidden History | Fibe TV1". tv1.bell.ca. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  43. ^ "Donna Davies | Producer, Production Manager, Director". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  44. ^ Creepy Cape Breton (Horror), Lou Diamond Wells, Cape Haunts Till Dawn Film Production, 2023-10-17, retrieved 2025-06-20{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  45. ^ "Capturing Cape Breton's spooky stories - Alumni Relations | NSCC". www.nscc.ca. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  46. ^ Institute, National Screen. "Drama Prize". National Screen Institute. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  47. ^ "Winners July 2012". theindiefest.com. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  48. ^ "2012 – Maverick Movie Awards". Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  49. ^ "RI International Horror Film Festival". www.film-festival.org. Archived from the original on 2012-11-23. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  50. ^ David, Greg (2016-05-09). "Screen Nova Scotia announce award winners". TV, eh?. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  51. ^ "SF41 Award Winners! | Boston SciFi". www.bostonscifi.com. Archived from the original on 2016-08-08. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  52. ^ "Mentor Match 2021-2022 Participants". wift-at.com. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  53. ^ tara. "Screen Nova Scotia announces 2018 award winners!". Screen Nova Scotia. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
  54. ^ tara (2024-05-13). "Screen Nova Scotia announces 2024 award winners". Screen Nova Scotia. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draft:Donna_Davies&oldid=1297018704"