I am an independent filmmaker,  former gifted/talented coordinator, and video production instructor. I have  worked for more than 26 years mentoring students in a variety of film projects from documentary to narrative to weekly news shows.  I created my own production company 13 years ago and have been working on short independent documentary projects. ever since. My films focus on seemingly ordinary individuals with extraordinary stories.   My work has been screened at several film festivals throughout the midwest.  Delano Heroes  received honorable mention at the Moving Pictures Film Festival sponsored by the Minnesota History Center and Grin and Bear It received and Honorable Mention at the Shamrock Film Festival in Rosemount.  I am  a member of Film North, Minnesota Film Arts, and MNWIFT.  I served on the board of the Minnesota Women in Film and Television and am a past President of the Minnesota Educators of the Gifted and Talented.

Current Projects:

Unraveling the Ribbon  

I am creating a documentary about the ribbon skirt, a traditional garment that holds significant cultural and spiritual meaning for many Indigenous women across North America. I will showcase the personal thoughts and stories about why they wear the ribbon skirt and special designs and techniques in constructing the skirt. The film will seek to identify how it has become a symbol of resilience, empowerment, identity and healing.

Note to participants

If you are a Native American woman who wears the ribbon skirt, I invite you to participate in this documentary. Your experiences and perspectives are valuable, and I believe that your insights will help me  create a powerful and authentic documentary that honors the significance of the ribbon skirt in Native American cultures.  This documentary will be made with the voices of Native women and made by an all female crew. Contact me if you are interested in participating at:  gbriesemeister@charter.net

Beyond New Beginnings

The Beyond New Beginnings Program supports and nurtures young moms and their children as they gain independence in safe, stable homes while being actively involved in the New Beginnings High School Program, post-secondary education and/or employment by empowering them to become healthy, engaged, members of a community. This documentary will highlight the strengths of the program, aspirations for the future and highlight the success stories of this community funded program.   Through personal interviews and footage from inside the everyday activities of the residents the story will unfold.