Aboriginal originals

>> The 17th edition of the First Peoples’ Fest showcases the visions of filmmakers
from around the world

by MATTHEW HAYS

Now in its 17th year, organizers of the First Peoples’ Fest have correctly chosen to celebrate their place at the film-fest table. Given the increasing homogenization of what we see at our cinemas, the fest has created a crucial showcase for the visions of aboriginal filmmakers from around the world. This year, fest programmers have noted a trend: that many aboriginal filmmakers wish to look forward into the future rather than simply relive a past of victimization.

In Dream Makers, Canadian native actors discuss the intricacies of their craft and trade. The film includes interviews with such trailblazers as Graham Greene (Dances With Wolves, Transamerica), Tantoo Cardinal (Loyalties, Smoke Signals) and August Schellenberg (Black Robe, North of 60). These thespians have successfully paved the way for a new generation of aboriginal actors. Another film about performance that will be screening is Kin, in which the choreography of Stephen Page (founder of Australia’s renowned Bangarra Dance Theatre) is captured by the cameras. Here, we see his extensive work with 10–12-year-old children.

In Weaving Worlds, Navajo filmmaker Bennie Klain examines the stories behind Navajo carpets, showing us the lives of the people who weave them—illuminating the complex social, political and economic tales behind each rug. Different vocations are also examined in other films, including The Fighting Cholitas, in which Amerindian women who wrestle for a living or for sport are profiled.

The genre of romantic comedy is shaken up in the eagerly anticipated Eagle vs Shark, the New Zealand film that will open the festival. Director-writer Taika Cohen has crafted a sharp, quirky film in which two socially awkward types bond over burgers and revenge on bullies. The film was a hit in January at the Sundance Film Festival.

And while the fest has taken up the theme of looking to the future, there are also historical works. Louie Lawless’s Unrepentant examines the issue of residential schools, where native children were uprooted and forced into educational institutions where abuse was rampant. The schools were touted as places where assimilation would lead to aboriginals being given better chances in life.

Environmental concerns are also paramount; in Trespassing, the Shoshone of Nevada react against the Mojave Desert being used as a toxic dump for nuclear waste. The Ojibway fight against the genetic modification of wild rice in Manoomin: A Minnesota Way of Life.

There will also be a special section on gay and lesbian natives, or two-spirited people. Filipino filmmaker Kanakan Balintagos’s Tuli will screen, a film about two women who struggle to live their lives together despite animosity in their traditional village. Byron Chief Moon: Grey Horse Rider is a portrait of the great Canadian queer choreographer.

UNESCO will be unveiling a new project to enhance the exchange and interaction of aboriginal artists worldwide. Called Las Camaras de la densidad, the new convergence is a major effort to create a network between aboriginal video artists worldwide.

The film and video section of the 17th annual First Peoples’ Festival screens from June 13–15. The FPF, which also includes art exhibits, literary readings and special events, runs from June 10–21. Info: (514) 677-7877 or nativelynx.qc.ca.

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