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In this poignant 18-minute documentary, viewers are taken on a journey into the dark history of the Isle a la Cross Residential School. This institution was part of the Canadian government's policy of forced assimilation of Indigenous children. Survivors of the school bravely step forward to share their harrowing stories of physical and sexual abuse, cultural suppression, and the profound loss of their language and identity. Through powerful interviews with the survivors themselves, as well as their families and community members, the documentary sheds light on the lasting impact of residential schools on Métis survivors, their families, and their communities. It explores the deep wounds inflicted by the school and the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition that the survivors have faced. Despite their tireless efforts, the survivors have yet to receive a formal acknowledgment from the Canadian government for the immense harm they have endured. Nevertheless, the documentary also serves as a testament to the unwavering resilience and hope of the survivors. They continue to fight for their rights and for healing, sending a powerful message of strength and determination. Through its heartfelt storytelling and profound insights, this documentary invites viewers to confront a painful chapter in Canadian history and to join the survivors in their quest for justice and acknowledgement.
- Year2023
- Runtime18 minutes
- CountryCanada
- GenreDocumentary
- AwardsToronto Short Film festival Toronto March 13, 2024 Official section Canada Toronto Short Film Festival (Winner) Best Documentary Short Film Toronto March 14, 2024 Official selection Canada Toronto Documentary Film Festival (Winner) Best Historical Documentary Toronto February 13, 2024 Historical documentary of the year award 2024 Canada Asinabka Film Festival Official Selection Ottawa August 6, 2024 Official Selection Canada Dublin International Film Festival Dublin Semi Finalist Ireland
- DirectorMatt LeMay
- ProducerCrystal Martin
In this poignant 18-minute documentary, viewers are taken on a journey into the dark history of the Isle a la Cross Residential School. This institution was part of the Canadian government's policy of forced assimilation of Indigenous children. Survivors of the school bravely step forward to share their harrowing stories of physical and sexual abuse, cultural suppression, and the profound loss of their language and identity. Through powerful interviews with the survivors themselves, as well as their families and community members, the documentary sheds light on the lasting impact of residential schools on Métis survivors, their families, and their communities. It explores the deep wounds inflicted by the school and the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition that the survivors have faced. Despite their tireless efforts, the survivors have yet to receive a formal acknowledgment from the Canadian government for the immense harm they have endured. Nevertheless, the documentary also serves as a testament to the unwavering resilience and hope of the survivors. They continue to fight for their rights and for healing, sending a powerful message of strength and determination. Through its heartfelt storytelling and profound insights, this documentary invites viewers to confront a painful chapter in Canadian history and to join the survivors in their quest for justice and acknowledgement.
- Year2023
- Runtime18 minutes
- CountryCanada
- GenreDocumentary
- AwardsToronto Short Film festival Toronto March 13, 2024 Official section Canada Toronto Short Film Festival (Winner) Best Documentary Short Film Toronto March 14, 2024 Official selection Canada Toronto Documentary Film Festival (Winner) Best Historical Documentary Toronto February 13, 2024 Historical documentary of the year award 2024 Canada Asinabka Film Festival Official Selection Ottawa August 6, 2024 Official Selection Canada Dublin International Film Festival Dublin Semi Finalist Ireland
- DirectorMatt LeMay
- ProducerCrystal Martin