An Aboriginal Film Festival at the Canadian Museum of Civilization
Gatineau, Quebec, March 14, 2003 — From March 20 to 28, 2003, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), invites you to view films by and about Aboriginal peoples in Where the Rivers Meet: An Aboriginal Film Festival. Hear the voices of Aboriginal peoples through four exceptional documentaries. Don’t miss the world premieres of two of these productions, If the Weather Permits (NFB) and First Scientists (Exploration Production Inc.) and take part in enlightening discussions.
Films are presented at 7:00 p.m. in the Southern Salon or the Museum Theatre.
All films $8; tickets at the Museum Box Office or through Ticketmaster.
March 20
If the Weather Permits – World Premiere!
(Director: Elisapie Isaac)
In the vastness of the North, on the edge of the Arctic Ocean, lies the village of Kangiqsujuaq, in Nunavik. Here, tradition and modernity intersect on a daily basis. Children’s laughter fills the streets, teenagers lap up “southern” culture, while the elders are still trying to get used to the strange feeling of staying put. Elisapie Isaac, a young filmmaker from Salluit who now lives in Montréal, decides to return to her roots on this breathtaking tundra. Guided by the poetry of the North, by the strength emanating from her land, she bridges the generation gap, letting elder Naalak and young policeman Danny tell us what they think. In what could be called a letter on film to her late grandfather, Isaac confides her hopes and fears, and, above all, asks him whether Inuit culture can really survive in the modern world. An NFB production.
Evening includes a talk by director Elisapie Isaac and musical performance by Taima Project.
March 22
Redskins, Tricksters and Puppy Stew
(Director: Drew Hayden Taylor)
Redskins, Tricksters and Puppy Stew is the first film directed by renowned playwright and satirist Drew Hayden Taylor. The film is a serious and yet hilarious look at the complex issues of Aboriginal identity, politics and racism, explored through stand-up comedy routines. Redskins, Tricksters and Puppy Stew features a cast of comic writers and actors including novelist Tom King, the creator and writer of the series Dead Dog Café on CBC Radio, Alberta comedian Don Burnstick, whose acid humour is inspired by years living on the streets as a homeless person, and the duo of the North, Sharon Shorty and Jackie Bear, whose portrayal of two bizarre golden-agers has brought laughter to people across the country. This film was produced by Silva Basmajian, Nancy C. Johnson and Louise Lore.
An NFB production.
Evening includes stand-up comedy by Don Kelly and discussion with director Drew Hayden Taylor.
March 25
First Scientists – World Premiere!
A fast-paced introduction to Native Canadian science and technology, this one-hour documentary produced by Exploration Production for Discovery Channel documents living traditions in architecture, marine engineering, medicine, ecology, fishing, forestry and agriculture. First Scientists sheds light on the way traditional knowledge develops and is passed on. The documentary suggests how traditional knowledge is leading Western science and technology into a new understanding of the world. An Exploration Production Inc. film.
Followed by a panel discussion.
March 28
How the Fiddle Flows
(Director: Gregory Coyes)
It’s high summer in southern Saskatchewan, and a rollicking tune fills the night. Four master Métis fiddlers play to the tapping toes of a lively crowd. How the Fiddle Flows follows Canada’s great rivers west along the fur-trading route of the early Europeans. The newcomers introduced the fiddle to the Aboriginal people they intermarried with along the way. A generation later, their mixed-blood offspring would blend European folk tunes with First Nations rhythms to create a rich and distinct musical tradition. From the Gaspé Peninsula, north to Hudson Bay and west to the Prairies, How the Fiddle Flows reveals how a distinctive Métis identity and culture were shaped over time. The film features soaring performances by some of Canada’s best-known fiddlers and step dancers and is narrated by award-winning actor Tantoo Cardinal. Produced by the National Film Board of Canada and Streaming Fiddles Media Ltd. An NFB release.
Followed by a talk by writer-director Gregory Coyes.
For more information, the public can call (819) 776-7000 or 1-800-555-5621.
Media Information:
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7167
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7169
Fax: (819) 776-7187
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