Eppo Eerkes “Yinagha K’izzaa”, Director, Black Badge Studios
Eppo Eerkes (Yinagha K’izzaa, “Half Moon”) is a Canadian filmmaker, director, producer and cinematographer with more than 25 years of experience and over 200 hours of broadcast work. His career has taken him from the Canadian Arctic and Rocky Mountains to Africa, Latin America and the Pacific coast, creating stories for audiences of National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and History.
A storyteller drawn to the extraordinary in both people and place, Eppo has spent decades filming in remote wilderness and building lasting relationships with Indigenous communities. His work is grounded in trust, cultural respect and a belief that powerful stories can bring understanding where it is needed most.
His documentary Return to the Falls, featuring residential school Survivor Elder Betty Ross, reflects that purpose: a deeply human story of truth, survival and reconciliation. Across documentary and dramatic filmmaking, Eppo continues to explore courage, resilience and the connections that shape who we are. His mission is simple, to honour lived experience, amplify important voices and make films that stay with audiences long after the screen goes dark.