Visual Artist · Writer · Director
Karen Chapman
Documentary, narrative, television and interactive work — compassionate, compelling and brave.
What I Direct
CBC · Hulu · PBSVR & installationNarrative
Documentary
Feature & shortFeature & shortInteractive
Television
Feature debut · 2024
Village Keeper
Jean is the provider and over-protector of her two teenagers, living with her mother in Lawrence Heights. Haunted by violence in both their past and their present, she must help her children cope.
Winner · John Dunning Best First Feature Award, Canadian Screen Awards 2025
Background
Born to a Guyanese family that nurtured her instinctive creative problem-solving skills, award-winning artist Karen Chapman has always been acquainted with versatility.
Her background in documentary storytelling developed a voice and style that is compassionate, compelling and brave — preparing her for an expansive repertoire that includes documentary, narrative, animation, interactive virtual reality and installation.
At the service of every story, Chapman strives to centre work that is grounded in impact.
John Dunning Best First Feature Award
Canadian Screen Awards, 2025 · Village Keeper
Festival Grand Prize
Arizona International Film Festival, 2025 · Village Keeper
Best Feature
Gender Equity in Media Festival, 2025 · Village Keeper
Impact Award
Cordillera International Film Festival, 2023 · Quiet Minds Silent Streets
What’s Next
Roots
Documentary · DOC Institute Breakthrough Award, 2025. Let’s work.
For enquiries, screeners and press materials.