Fifty years after the expropriation of Kouchibouguac National Park, The Spirit Remains follows the affected families in their healing journeys. Formerly living to the rhythm of the seasons, the tides and the weather like their first ancestors did, these Acadian people had to adapt to a new lifestyle, to the gaze of neighboring communities and to an expropriated status. A story of human resilience, connection to nature and the relationship with the Indigenous Mi'kmaq people.
- Year2022
- Runtime44 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryCanada
- PremiereLouisiana Premiere
- NoteBrian Francis of Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick, Canada is currently involved in filmmaking as a producer, director, and writer. His major concern is the survival of the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet people and the preservation of their culture. Brian directed the feature documentary, "Circle of Justice", which was shot within the walls of federal penitentiaries. The film won five international awards, screened at seventeen film festivals across the world including The Smithsonian Institute and aired on CBC, APTN and IFC. Brian also directed a feature documentary for the National Film Board of Canada called "The Sacred Sundance". Brian has found that the practicing of traditional Native ceremonies has been a powerful positive influence in his own life and is motivated to help share this practice and the teachings that go with it to other people. Following the footsteps of his Grandfather and his Father, Brian is a pioneer, an ambassador for his people and a protector and keeper for the Mi’kmaq language and people. He has recently became the first and only Mikmaw Interpreter for the House of Commons and the Senate in Canada. Brian has worked and travelled extensively throughout Atlantic Canada to all First Nations communities in a number of capacities and has developed a good working rapport with Chiefs and community members.
- DirectorBrian Francis, Mélanie Line Richard
- ScreenwriterBrian Francis, Mélanie Line Richard
- ProducerBrian Francis, Diane Barnes
- CinematographerRocklyn Warren
- EditorRocklyn Warren
- MusicMélanie Line Richard, Hubert Francis
Fifty years after the expropriation of Kouchibouguac National Park, The Spirit Remains follows the affected families in their healing journeys. Formerly living to the rhythm of the seasons, the tides and the weather like their first ancestors did, these Acadian people had to adapt to a new lifestyle, to the gaze of neighboring communities and to an expropriated status. A story of human resilience, connection to nature and the relationship with the Indigenous Mi'kmaq people.
- Year2022
- Runtime44 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryCanada
- PremiereLouisiana Premiere
- NoteBrian Francis of Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick, Canada is currently involved in filmmaking as a producer, director, and writer. His major concern is the survival of the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet people and the preservation of their culture. Brian directed the feature documentary, "Circle of Justice", which was shot within the walls of federal penitentiaries. The film won five international awards, screened at seventeen film festivals across the world including The Smithsonian Institute and aired on CBC, APTN and IFC. Brian also directed a feature documentary for the National Film Board of Canada called "The Sacred Sundance". Brian has found that the practicing of traditional Native ceremonies has been a powerful positive influence in his own life and is motivated to help share this practice and the teachings that go with it to other people. Following the footsteps of his Grandfather and his Father, Brian is a pioneer, an ambassador for his people and a protector and keeper for the Mi’kmaq language and people. He has recently became the first and only Mikmaw Interpreter for the House of Commons and the Senate in Canada. Brian has worked and travelled extensively throughout Atlantic Canada to all First Nations communities in a number of capacities and has developed a good working rapport with Chiefs and community members.
- DirectorBrian Francis, Mélanie Line Richard
- ScreenwriterBrian Francis, Mélanie Line Richard
- ProducerBrian Francis, Diane Barnes
- CinematographerRocklyn Warren
- EditorRocklyn Warren
- MusicMélanie Line Richard, Hubert Francis