The Bears on Pine Ridge

Noel Bass

40 min | 2021 | US | Massachusetts Premiere

This documentary covers an issue that is extremely underrepresented in the US and worldwide. Indigenous communities have long been oppressed and neglected, where nationally, many Native American communities are living under State-of Emergency declarations for mental health crisis'.
Shining a light on hope and community empowerment, this film follows heroic residents on the Pine Ridge Reservation, who have put the ongoing mental health crisis on their backs, stepping up to the challenge and trying to help save their community. These leaders have an unbelievably challenging mission, to try to rapidly spread awareness, save lives, and empower the youth, providing a supportive platform for their voices to be heard.

Awards: Best Short Doc - Phoenix FF (US), South Dakota FF (US), Riverside Int’l FF (US), Latino and Native American FF (US), 

Official Selections: Big Sky Documentary FF, American Documentary and Animation FF and Film Fund, Flicker's Rhode Island Int’l FF, Sarasota FF, Pendance FF, Los Angeles Diversity FF, Original Thinkers, DC Independent FF (all in US)

Red Road

Wayne Valin-McDougall

6 min | 2021 | Canada | Wapikoni Mobile | US Premiere

Wayne Valin-McDougall is Anishinaabe-Innu, born in Amos, Canada in 1986. After a difficult period of life, Wayne rediscovered his traditional culture and it has helped him adopt a healthier and happier lifestyle. He makes regalias in preparation for Pikogan's annual Pow Wow, a cultural tradition that connects him to his roots. It is very important for him to share his culture with others; thus, his first film RED ROAD that he directed with Wapikoni Mobile.

The Hands of an Elder

Dinah Sam

5 min | 2021 | Canada – Wapikoni Mobile | US Premiere

The importance of Cree culture in an ever-changing world as understood by Dinah Sam. She is an artist from the Cree community of Chisasibi in the James Bay region of Quebec. Passionate about her Cree traditions and her art, Dinah enjoys spending time at camp, hunting, fishing and being outdoors but also sewing and making things with hides and pelts.

Sokinaa' Passkaan Aassisstoi (Healing Bells)

Taylor Crowspreadshiswings

5 min | 2020 | Canada – Wapikoni Mobile| US Premiere

This film is inspired by true events. Through an emotional approach, we discover resiliency through dance. Taylor Crowspreadshiswings comes from both the Stoney-Nakoda Nation and the Blood Tribe Blackfoot Nation and was born in Lethbridge, Alberta in 1993. She places great importance on her Blackfoot and Stoney languages, traditional teachings and culture. Taylor is passionate about films, powwow dancing, traditional practices and creativity through sewing. She has high hopes to make a difference in her community and to be the best role model for her daughter.

Inuit Languages in the 21st Century

Ulivia Uviluk

10 min | 2021 | Canada – Wapikoni Mobile | US Premiere

Ulivia explores what is accessible via the Internet in terms of Inuktitut, a tongue
complex that includes several dialects and which varies from one generation to another.
Inuktitut is threatened by dominant languages and Ulivia explores the idea of technology as a possible ally. Ulivia Uviluk (Olivia Lya Thomassie) was born in Kuujjuaq in 1998. She lives between Montreal and Kangirsuk, Nunavik and has been involved with Wapikoni for Native Montreal Youth campaign against discrimination and has worked as a local coordinator for Montreal and Kangirsuk workshops.

Ka Tatishtipatakanit (Ethereal)

Isabelle Kanapé

3 min | 2021 | Canada – Wapikoni Mobile | US Premiere

A man spreads rumors about a local elder. To be forgiven, he will be put to the test. Ka tatishtipatakanit (Ethereal) is a poetic lesson about respect.

Isabelle Kanapé’s directorial debut was in 2013, when she created Caserne 79 in collaboration with the Wapikoni. She was also part of the feature documentary Québékoisie, produced with the assistance of the National Film Board of Canada. This proud Innu enjoys sharing her culture, is interested in politics and web technology, and works as a prevention officer at the Pessamit Fire Department.