Truth & Reconciliation Film & Author Event
The Edmonton Short Film Festival is honoured to be hosting a special event on September 30 in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This event will take place from 4-6pm at Audreys Books (10702 Jasper Avenue). The event will start with a blessing, greetings and land acknowledgement.
We anticipate a heightened awareness among community members about the historical and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous peoples. Through the powerful narratives presented in the films and authors, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the resilience, culture, and challenges experienced by Indigenous communities.
After each film and excerpt from a local Indigenous author, there will be a discussion on the content presented. This dialogue is crucial for promoting understanding, empathy, and unity. By showcasing a diverse range of Indigenous films, this event contributes to the preservation of Indigenous cultures and traditions. The stories shared through film and text serve as a valuable medium for passing down cultural knowledge to younger generations and promoting a sense of pride and identity within the community. This event will raise awareness not only within the Indigenous community but also among broader audiences. Increased understanding can lead to advocacy for policies that support Indigenous rights and well-being.
By creating a space for dialogue and storytelling, the project aspires to leave a lasting positive impact on the community’s journey toward truth, reconciliation, and cultural resilience.
Featured Films:
Back To Ste. Madeleine Directed by Jack Belhumeur
Jack Belhumeur invites the viewers on a ride along as he travels with his father and son to the site of their ancestral community. Jack tells the dark history but paints a brighter narrative of a resilient and strong people with strong roots.
Kaashkitamaasho Directed by Chantelle Marie Anderson
A woman’s exploration of her Métis identity; the quieting of her inner voice saying she’s not ‘Indigenous enough’.
Mary Mackagonne Directed by Sean Smith
Creator Sean Smith honours the memory of his great-great-great-great-great grandmother, Mary Mackagonne, a Swampy Cree woman who goes entirely uncredited in Canadian history. The wife of Peter Fidler, a map-maker for the Hudson’s Bay Company, she lived the life of a trader, canoeing alongside him on his expeditions and contributing labour to the building and maintaining of forts while also caring for their fourteen children.
The story is based on entries from Fidler’s journals. He and Mary and their Metis family are nearly running out of supplies and have lost most of their crew to the rival Northwest Company while Mary is nearly 9 months pregnant. A hired bully from the rival Northwest Company begins a reign of intimidation on the family – forcing them to make a decision for the sake of their family’s safety.
The Boy & The Braid Directed by Alyssa Alook
Being Nehiyaw Indigenous, wearing your braid, in today’s society often leads to discrimination and bullying, impacting ones life and relationship with culture. Who would’ve thought the effects of the residential schools are still carrying on throughout today’s generation? Watch Nathan on his journey with his culture, as a boy to present day.
Featured Authors:
Marilyn Dumont
Metis poet, writer, and Professor Marilyn Dumont teaches for the faculties of Arts and Native Studies at the University of Alberta and is proud of Metis family lines from her Mother’s – Vaness / Dufresne families and her father’s – Boudreau/Dumont families.
She was awarded the 2018 Lifetime Membership from the League of Canadian Poets for her contributions to poetry in Canada. In 2019, she received the University of Alberta Distinguished Alumni Award and the Alberta Lieutenant Governor’s Distinguished Artist Award, and in 2022 was Awarded the Alberta Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal for public service.
Her four collections of poetry have won provincial or national awards: A Really Good Brown Girl (1996); green girl dreams Mountains (2001); that tongued belonging (2007); The Pemmican Eaters (2015). A fifth collection surrounding Indigenous history of Edmonton, called South Side of a Kinless River will be published by Brick Books in 2024.
Conor Kerr
Conor is a Métis/Ukrainian writer living in Edmonton. He is the author of the poetry collections, An Explosion of Feathers and Old Gods which was shortlisted for the 2023 Governor General’s Award. His first novel Avenue of Champions won the 2022 RELIT Award, was longlisted for the Giller Prize and shortlisted for the Amazon/Walrus debut novel award. His second novel Prairie Edge, is currently on the longlist for the 2024 Giller Prize. Conor is an Assistant Professor in English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta.
Please join us for a special Free screening event on Thursday August 22 at 7:30pm at the Muttart Theatre in the Milner Library downtown. The following films will be presented followed by a Q&A with each attending film director.
Quinn: by Eva Colmers 30:00 (documentary)
QUINN is an intimate documentary about change, gender identity and living outside the box. Beautifully shot against the backdrop of nature and enriched by drawings and videos of young Quinn, the documentary offers a window into the joys and challenges of Quinn’s gender journey, over 4 seasons and 4 years. This deeply personal, yet surprisingly universal, positive story of change is invigorated by the powerful music of celebrated, non-binary musician Rae Spoon. “Nothing stays the same”, says Quinn, as they strive to find a place in a society obsessed with labels.
Nowhere Normal by Matt Kloster – 6:53 (comedy)
A young woman must find the heirlooms of her recently dead grandmother, before her intolerant, debt-ridden father does.
Love Socks by Reid Anderson -3:38 (comedy)
Confident, hilarious, and glamorous, The Real Human Girl is on top of the world, her relationship going strong with Sock, a foreign and sexy sock puppet, when her world suddenly falls apart upon the discovery that Sock has been seeing someone else- and a twink no less.
Cut Knife Creek: by Beric Dean Manywounds, Alanna Bluebird-Onespot, Ben Pipestem, Ryan Von Hagen – 8:00 (animation)
The story revolves around seven Tsuut’ina men including a stunning man named Broken Knife who practiced medicine and was a great warrior. The Tsuut’ina men were traveling for a long time when they came upon three dark omens urging them to turn back. Despite attacks from ravens, endless walking in heavy smoke and fog, and undead bison rising and charging at them, they refused to turn back and were instead encouraged to keep going. Unaffected, they eventually find rest atop a hill (later to be named Cut Knife Hill). A Cree Warrior then rides up on the seven Tsuut’ina men and a massacre ensues. Broken Knife hurdles himself at multiple Cree men attacking them to allow for two Tsuut’ina men to escape while at the same time sacrificing himself. The Tsuut’ina men are not only saved by Broken Knife but also by a Cree woman who engage in a tense standoff – ultimately the both sides choose peace and let each other go on their ways.
Indigenous Screening 2024
The Local Heroes Film Festival (managed by the Edmonton Short Film Festival), is pleased to present a special screening of short films featuring Alberta Indigenous filmmakers.
The following short films will be screened at the Aviary on June 20 starting at 7PM.
Jack Belhumeur invites the viewers on a ride along as he travels with his father and son to the site of their ancestral community. Jack tells the dark history but paints a brighter narrative of a resilient and strong people with strong roots.
Cut Knife Creek by Director Beric Dean Manywounds, Alanna Bluebird-Onespot, Ben Pipestem, Ryan Von Hagen
McDavid by Director Conor McNally
A portrait of a sports fan’s twisted infatuation with a new “generational player”. Edmonton, Alberta serves as the backdrop of how urban identity and the genuine spirit of sports fandom is corrupted by global greed..
MONSTR by Director Tank Standing Bull
How do you go on living when everything is taken from you in the blink of an eye? A young artist confronts his inner demons while apprenticing with a northwest totem carver after the death of his beloved.
The Ancestral Tree by Director p.a. Duquette
The tragic loss of familial history, culture, and traditional community ties. Through symbolism, this is a story of harrowing fractures through time, all the while honouring the legacy of an Métis Elder.
The Politics by Director Len Morissette
Lamenting her loss of community, a travelling Métis Woman encounters two unknown and bizarre personality in a lonely bus station.
International Festival of Winter Cinema 2024
The Local Heroes Film Festival (managed by the Edmonton Short Film Festival), is once again screening curated films in a special event as part of the Interntional Festival of Winter Cinema (IFWC). Check it out on February 16 starting at 7:00PM at Sir Wilfred Laurier Park!
Change, Directed by Tom Robinson (4:52) An animated change purse separated from its lady at the laundromat must find a way back to her.
Tether, Directed by Andreas Eichmuller (2:00) After a life altering event, Eric and Ashley put their faith in a promise, but soon realize that promise…that salvation…just might be too good to be true.
The Heist, Directed by David Gigena-Kazimierczak, Roman Olorvida Jr.(5:53) A man is called to perform a heist in order to avert a potential life threatening situation.
The Metaphor, Directed by Nathaniel Sutton (4:18) An old television displays visuals of singer/songwriter, Nathaniel Sutton, performing his song, “The Metaphor”. It gradually contains actual footage of Sutton’s childhood previously recorded onto VHS tapes, transmitting nostalgic energy.
The Creature’s Story, Directed by Nathaniel Goselwitz (5:35) ‘The Creature’s Story’ is a psychological-thriller about a young boy and his “Mom” who spend the night together on Halloween. When the young boy is frightened after seeing something outside, he is consoled by his mother with a story about that very thing. This short film explores themes of identity, through a cyclical storytelling structure.
Benny Limbauer: Work-From-Home Wildlife Photographer (2:00) A wildlife photographer finds an unusual way to make it through the lockdown.
Songs from the Soil, Directed by Sebastian Cruz (6:27) Embarking on a journey that intricately weaves through his passions, we witness the tranquil embrace of gardening – a sanctuary of solace. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, a symphony of discovery envelops us, revealing Stuart’s second ardor: music, a conduit to freedom.
What the Heart Wants, Directed by Darrell Portz (4:59) Liv learns the hard way that her deepest yearnings cannot be denied and there is a price to pay for her heart’s true desire.
Graceless, Directed by Matthew Gooding (3:10) Music video for Graceless from ‘Graceless/Cloudless’ the new EP by amiskwaciy heavy pop band Wares. ‘Graceless’ was recorded and mixed by Matthew Gooding. Mastered by Ryan Morey. Video filmed and edited by Matthew Gooding.
Nathan Everett, Directed by Paul-ford Manguelle (1:35) A man finds himself alone at the end of the world. His time is running. He knows it. His name is Nathan Everett.
Bad Situation, Directed by Robyn Slack (8:00) Annie is drowning her sorrows in a dive bar when she is suddenly ambushed by a man armed with a time-freezing gun. Out of her depth and a little drunk, her only hope is a gruff stranger claiming to be a professional time traveller. Who can she trust? And will she make it out with her timeline intact?
Paradise Motel (High Water), Directed by Adrian G. De la Peña (4:26) After being diagnosed with a terminal disease, Patrick and Rowena decide to do a final road trip through the prairies.
Narrative music video-clip for the band Paradise Motel.
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival 2024
The Local Heroes Film Festival (managed by the Edmonton Short Film Festival), is pleased to present a special screening of short films featuring Alberta Indigenous filmmakers, creatives and Indigenous stories.
The following short films will be screened in the Big Yurt during the Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival 2024 on Saturday January 20 from 6:30-9pm. These films will be repeated 3 times.
Kaashkitamaashoo directed by Chantelle Marie Anderson
A woman’s exploration of her Métis identity; the quieting of her inner voice saying she’s not ‘Indigenous enough’.
Mary Mackagonne directed by Sean Smith
Creator Sean Smith honours the memory of his great-great-great-great-great grandmother, Mary Mackagonne, a Swampy Cree woman who goes entirely uncredited in Canadian history. The wife of Peter Fidler, a map-maker for the Hudson’s Bay Company, she lived the life of a trader, canoeing alongside him on his expeditions and contributing labour to the building and maintaining of forts while also caring for their fourteen children.
The story is based on entries from Fidler’s journals. He and Mary and their Metis family are nearly running out of supplies and have lost most of their crew to the rival Northwest Company while Mary is nearly 9 months pregnant. A hired bully from the rival Northwest Company begins a reign of intimidation on the family – forcing them to make a decision for the sake of their family’s safety.
Memories directed by Adriel (Strenneth) Rosenfeldt
Robin’s mind is full of her memories and experiences and is home to a figure of her consciousness who makes decisions to keep Robin safe and happy. This figure is faced with watching painful memories and struggles to see any purpose with storing them. She must make the hard decision whether to destroy the memories and everything connected to them or to try to live with them in harmony. The final destination of these memories could have an effect on Robin’s identity, her future and perception of herself.
Raven Steals the Light directed by Daniel Foreman
Raven is the craftiest of all creatures. Be transported into a magical animated world where Raven is flying blindly in the endless night. He decides to steal all the light in the world from Sky Father, which is no easy task. The story is adapted from an ancient Haida (North Pacific Coast First Nations) myth.
Running Rabbit directed by Bret Robert Franics Kenworthy
A documentary telling Regan’s story about leaving home, venturing out and following his visions on becoming an MMA fighter. With his new found knowledge, he hopes to help inspire his people from Siksika.