SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Clay animation, stop motion, puppetry and interpretive dance were just some of the techniques used by a group of Montessori students from N.J. Macpherson School for their Dene origins film project.

This was Grade 6 student Naoka Blondin's second film production.

As producer she received a $7,000 grant from various sources, including YK1, N.J. Macpherson School, SSI Micro, Ryfan Electric and Northern Arts and Cultural Centre to make the film and put on a live dance performance, also featured in the film.

Five Dene origin stories were portrayed in five shorts films, each using different film techniques and styles.

The children, ranging from grades 3 to 6, spent last Thursday visiting other Yellowknife schools to present their work.

They were responsible for writing the scripts, choosing the stories, choosing the film techniques, and the narration - apart from one storytelling contribution from elder Besha Blondin.

"I didn't do anything, apart from lose sleep," said teacher Scott Laugh.

The children had to devote time outside of class to produce the film in three months, while most of the costumes and props were donated and made by their families.

Assistant producer and photographer Cole Philipp, Grade 6, did not expect to become a filmmaker when he joined the Montessori program.

"I never expected to make anything like this. Then we ended up making a movie, and that really surprised me," he said.

Montessori schools can be found all over the world, and promote a different style of teaching to traditional education.

Philipp has found the program highly effective.

"I find it teaches you stuff faster, with different strategies," he said.