SKODEN INDIGENOUS FILM FESTIVAL 2023: Program 2

PROGRAM 2

IT’S A LONG STORY, WITH FEATURE EVER DEADLY: MARCH 31 | 7:30 PM (95 MIN.)

This program opens a window to people's lived experiences and emotions through Indigenous artistic story-telling.

The 5th Annual Skoden Indigenous Film Festival, March 31 – April 1, is  a 2-day student-led film festival which features exclusively Indigenous filmmakers and creatives from across Canada. 

Skoden is a two-day student-led film festival which features exclusively Indigenous filmmakers and creatives from across Canada.

Founded on the principles of truth and reconciliation, Carr Sappier (Wolastoqew) and Grace Mathisen created the festival in 2019, and now we are headed towards the fifth annual Skoden Indigenous Film Festival. It’s organized and led by a class of students from all over SFU’s School of Contemporary Arts and FCAT, and co-taught by Carr Sappier and Kathleen Mullen (who has been involved as a Festival consultant / mentor since the first year).

Skoden is an Indigenous slang term that stands for ‘Let’s go then!’. According to Carr Sappier, Skoden is emblematic of more. “Skoden represents a sense of happiness, inclusion and a space where all filmmakers can feel like they are part of something that holds them up in respect,” they say. And for instructor Kathleen Mullen, “we are sharing experiences and knowledge through this course and for me this is what SKODEN means—Let’s Go Then! Said with humour, dialogue, and respect.”

INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM TICKETS: PAY WHAT YOU CAN: $0, $10, $15, $20

FESTIVAL PASSES: SKODEN ACCESS PASS (STUDENTS, SENIORS, ARTS WORKERS): $25 | SKODEN FESTIVAL PASS: $50

Please note: Each individual program requires a separate ticket, while Festival Passes will give you access to all of the programs.

All ticket sales go directly back into the sustainability of the Skoden Indigenous Film Festival and the costs related to putting on the festival (e.g. artist and guest speaker fees, festival operations).

Content warnings to be updated closer the Festival. If you have any concerns, please contact the box office at gca_events@sfu.ca

More information about the festival can be found here.

PROGRAM 2

IT’S A LONG STORY, WITH FEATURE EVER DEADLY: MARCH 31 | 7:30 PM (95 MIN.)

This program opens a window to people's lived experiences and emotions through Indigenous artistic story-telling.

NIKAWIY (MOTHER) (JAMES DIXON, 3 MIN.)

Nikawiy (Mother) is an experimental short exploring the process of decolonization, where Indigenous Language and family connections are voices and bodies that create a dynamic experience for a child. When that relationship is taken away and replaced with something foreign, the dynamic becomes a thread of uncertainty. As we move forward, we begin to move through the echo chamber of colonizer voices and images that hold us back as we push through to reclaim our sense of cultural identity.

WINDIGOKAN NIIMI (COLLEEN SIMARD, 2 MIN.)

The Windigokaan dances backwards at times on the frozen Red River. They dance for their lost sisters that have been found in these waters, as well as those who may never be found. They seem joyful but it is their way to reflect the opposite of what they should feel.

EVER DEADLY (TANYA TAGAQ, CHELSEA MCMULLAN, 90 MIN.)

This documentary explores Tagaq’s transformation of sound with an eye to colonial fallout, natural freedom and Canadian history. Ever Deadly weaves concert footage with stunning sequences filmed on location in Nunavut, seamlessly bridging landscapes, stories, and songs with pain, anger, and triumph–all through the expressions of one of the most innovative musical performers of our time.

To purchase individual tickets for the rest of the festival, please visit the following:

Program 1: Activating the Landscape, March 31st @ 5:00pm

Program 2: It’s a Long Story with feature Ever Deadly, March 31st @ 7:30pm

Program 3: The Deepest Part of My Heart, April 1st @ 12:30pm

Program 4: Who I Am, Who We Are, April 1st @ 2:30pm

Program 5: Our Connections, April 1st @ 5:00pm

Festival Passes can be purchased here.

COVID-19 Safety:

Masks are encouraged on our campuses, particularly in spaces where people are in close proximity. Masks are not mandatory.

Further information on SFU's Return to Campus policy can be found here.