It justs gets bigger each year and this is the tenth year that Terres en vues or Land in Sight (English translation) has put on a show for Montreal. I am constantly surprised at the caliber of people, films and performers that they come up with. It’s nice to see First People’s films starting to get out there. There are so many talented people in the world and this event offers them the opportunity to strut their stuff. It was nicely done. Andre Dudemaine of Terres en vues (Lands in Sight) officially opened the Montreal First People’s Film Festival on June 12th.
The first film to be shown was Romance in Nunavik. Romance in Nunavik was a sweet story as can be guessed by the name. It’s the story of a girl from Scotland visiting the far north with her father. She’s on vacation and catches the eye of an Inuk. They fall in love, she moved back to Scotland, sells off her possessions, he sends her the difference in plane ticket costs, they live together and get married all in under a year. She has killed caribou, ice fished, made bannock, scraped hides, snowmobiled, plucked geese and generally learnt Inuk traditional activities. The couple has two children and this has helped her fit in the community. The whole film shifts between Scotland and Nunavik, the contrasts between the two are quite clear, especially considering the Joanna, the Scottish girl, used to be a vegetarian. There is an Inuit narrator that helps to define questions and talk about Nunavik. It was a thoroughly enjoyable film to watch.
The next feature was Heater, a film about two men in Winnipeg. It’s a gutsy film about the streets and the people who live on them. Gary Farmer plays an Aboriginal man who trying to make it off of them while the other man is a slightly demented thief who’s trying to sell a heater for $20. Essentially it’s a story about their day. A sad, pathetic story about two people with whimsical humourous moments… at least to those who aren’t on the streets. I would recommend this film for all those who wonder what’s it’s really like. I would especially recommend it for those who never do wonder. On hand was Gary Farmer to receive the audience’s appreciation of the film. Another figure that stood out was Willie Dunn. People didn’t notice who he was at first as Dunn’s lost a little hair and put on some weight in the past years.
The second night I didn’t watch any films but went instead to the Rez White & Blues show. It was a traditional start with two Inuit throat singers. A simple yet powerful beginning.
Next up was Inuk rock band Sinuupa. The ultimate far north garage band with two CD’s under their belt. Lead singer Edward Snowball was great. It was quite a rockin’ contrast from the throat singers but the cool snow glasses said this boy still has his roots. Snowball told me he made them himself. When I hinted I’d like a set of the impressive eye-gear myself Snowball told me how long it would take. Better time writing more great tunes says I. He’s got a great sound that woke up the crowd. Snowball comes from Kuujuaq and about 75% of what he sings is in Inuk. He’s traveled to Toronto and around both Ontario and Quebec giving performances. Snowball’s going to send us the CD’s so we can review them in a future issue. Three ladies were up next with drums and chants. This was a well-received set by Ulali with the audience clapping madly. I don’t think these girls even needed the mikes because their voices just seemed to reach out and grab you by the neck hairs. Have you ever felt that? You know, where the neck hairs stand up, salute the flag and run shivers down your back? Well that night I did!
Next it was time for Lucian-Gaberial Jourdin for some traditional Innu drumming and singing. I’ve seen him play before and have always enjoyed it immensely. It was no different this time. Definitely a talented man.
The spokesperson for the Montreal First People’s Film Festival, Richard Desjardin was up next. This Québécois songwriter-singer-poet is well known. You know he’s going to be a crowd pleaser. People were stoked when he appeared and showed it by singing along with well-known songs to
his surprise. He took it in stride. At one point, Snowball came on the stage to join him in a song. After he left the stage Desjardins remarked that at least the Inuk wouldn’t have to deal with the forestry problem. That got a laugh but it wasn’t his last reference to Quebec’s forestry issue this evening.
I wish I knew what song it was but I was informed he modernized one of his classics and people loved the changes. The laughter and faces of the audience said that the rebuilding of this classic was more than welcome.
Desjardins was practically dragged back on stage for another song by the crowds stomping, clapping, cheering and shouting of his name. Clearly a crowd pleaser, he has earned his status as a Quebec musical demigod.
Last up for the night was Florent Vollant.
Willie Mitchell would be pleased to know that the remake of music older music has hit the Native milieu. Vollant did a remake of Beaverman that had the audience yelling for more. Vollant delivered a stunning performance.
The night was a success. How much you ask? Well you had to be there to appreciate it. Next year, don’t miss it!
On Wednesday The Strange Case of Bunny Weequod was shown. What I like about this film was the combining of legends and native spirituality with modem times. It showed what could happen in light of today’s skepticism when confronted by the unexplainable. Bunny goes out fishing but there are less fish. Then one day he falls overboard and disappears for three days. Bunny’s looking all spiffy and clean-shaven before he arrives back with a beard.
That’s when it starts getting strange.
I can’t say anymore without ruining the story for you but it’s good. Noted author Drew Hayden Taylor wrote The Strange Case of Bunny Weequod so you can expect something interesting with humour thrown in.
The man always seems to deliver. I look forward to more work from Taylor and Cool Native Productions. Director Steve Van Denzen said he has about four more projects in the works. He says he has to squeeze them in his hectic work schedule. Personally I hope he gets a little more time on his hands, as the film is great!
Saturday saw a parade with First Nations from all over participating. This year there was a definite Inuk and Inuit presence. My son Eric held one of the dream catchers and participated in the parade. These days when I tell him we’re going to a parade his first question is whether we’re watching it or walking in it!
At the end of the parade Eric joined in the square dancing that seemed to have spontaneously popped up. Later we enjoyed watching the NWT’s championship team perform their unique athletic talents for us. I was impressed with the jumping up and hitting a seal with two feet and then landing on their two feet. We’re talking as high or higher than their heads here. The team is off in Hanover, Germany to put on a display as you read this.
On Wednesday June 21st, a small ceremony was held on Mount Royal to commemorate National Aboriginal Day.
