A Cree documentary that highlighted the divide between Crees who lobbied for a $3.5 billion hydroelectric deal with Quebec and those opposed to it has been awarded one of Quebec’s most prestigious awards at a French language festival.
One More River, produced by the Cree film company Rezolution Pictures and co-directed by Tracey Deer and Neil Diamond, won the prix Pierre et Yolande Perrault du meilleur espoir documentaire for best documentary in a director’s first or second film in a ceremony at the Hotel Nelligan in Montreal February 27. It was Deer’s first and Diamond’s second documentary.
Along with the award came a $5,000 prize donated by the Perrault family in honour of Pierre, the patriarch who contributed immensely to Quebec filmmaking over the years.
“I am overwhelmed and very happy to accept this award,” said an emotional Tracey Deer, a Mohawk from Kahnawake. “It was an eye-opening experience and I’d like to thank everyone who allowed us into their lives for that period of time.”
The documentary depicted the infighting that occurred in Eeyou Istchee from the time the project was announced up until it was signed. It captured the emotion and the anger on both sides and gave non-Crees a glimpse of the dissention in the Nation while the historic Paix des Braves Agreement was brought to each community.
One More River will be airing on APTN in two parts, March 26 and April 2, at 7 pm both days.
