Musician Corben Bowen Makes Directorial Debut with "Every Day Gets Closer to Winter"

The transition from music to filmmaking is a familiar path for artists seeking new forms of expression. We have seen it with Michel Gondry, Spike Jonze, and more recently with artists like FKA Twigs and Childish Gambino. Now, Juno-nominated musician Corben Bowen, known professionally as Boslen, is embarking on this journey, stepping behind the camera to direct his first narrative feature film, titled Every Day Gets Closer to Winter. This project, which draws inspiration from a poignant true story, signals Bowen's ambition to leverage cinematic storytelling for impactful narratives.

Bowen, a Haisla Nation artist, is directing a film centered on the true story of Samuel Bird, a 14-year-old Indigenous boy, and his mother, Alanna. The narrative chronicles Alanna's persistent search for her son, a search that ultimately galvanized a movement encompassing over 50,000 individuals. This subject matter provides Corben Bowen with a powerful foundation for his directorial debut, allowing him to explore themes of loss, resilience, and community advocacy through a cinematic lens. The project’s focus on an Indigenous narrative is particularly salient, contributing to an increasing, and necessary, representation of diverse stories within the film industry.

Funding the Vision

The development of Every Day Gets Closer to Winter is presently supported by a crowdfunding campaign on Seed and Spark. As of July 2, 2026, the campaign has secured C$18,010 towards a C$100,000 development goal. The funding mechanism is an "all or nothing" model, requiring 80 percent of the goal to be met for the funds to be disbursed. With 31 days remaining in the campaign, achieving this threshold is crucial for the project's progression. This crowdfunding approach is a common strategy for independent films, particularly those with a strong social message, allowing a direct connection with potential audiences and stakeholders who believe in the film's premise.

Securing development funds is the initial, foundational step in any film production. These funds are typically allocated to scripting, preliminary casting, location scouting, and the creation of a comprehensive production plan. For a first-time director like Bowen, adequate development funding is vital for establishing the film's creative and logistical framework before principal photography can commence. The film's success on Seed and Spark will not only provide financial resources but also demonstrate a tangible audience interest, which can be instrumental in attracting further investment.

The Craft of Storytelling

While the specifics of the production, such as the chosen camera systems, lenses, and aspect ratios, are not yet publicly detailed, the commitment to a narrative of this gravity suggests a deliberate approach to visual and auditory storytelling. A film tackling a true story of such emotional depth often benefits from a considered aesthetic, perhaps utilizing formats that emphasize intimacy, such as 16mm film, or modern digital cinema cameras like the ARRI Alexa 35 for its dynamic range and color science. The choice of cinematographer will also be pivotal, as their visual interpretation will greatly influence how the audience connects with the character of Alanna and her journey. We anticipate further details on the creative team as the project moves past its development phase.

The transition for a musician to a director is not without its unique challenges and advantages. A strong understanding of rhythm, pacing, and emotional resonance, inherent to musical composition, can translate effectively into cinematic direction. The narrative structure, the ebb and flow of scenes, and the emotional arc of characters all have parallels in musical composition. It will be compelling to observe how Corben Bowen applies his artistic sensibilities, honed through his musical career, to the visual and narrative demands of a feature film. This project represents a significant endeavor for Bowen and a critical contribution to Indigenous storytelling in cinema. More information on the film's progress and campaign can be found on its Seed and Spark page.