SKODEN INDIGENOUS FILM FESTIVAL 2023: Program 3

PROGRAM 3

THE DEEPEST PART OF MY HEART: APRIL 1 | 12:30 PM (76 MIN.)

This shorts program provides a warm welcome to Indigenous youths and families, inviting them to share their unique insights, experiences, and their innovative ways to support their communities.

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 [email protected]

More information about the festival can be found here.

PROGRAM 3

THE DEEPEST PART OF MY HEART: APRIL 1 | 12:30 PM (76 MIN.)

This shorts program provides a warm welcome to Indigenous youths and families, inviting them to share their unique insights, experiences, and their innovative ways to support their communities.

SPIRIT BEAR: FISHING FOR KNOWLEDGE, CATCHING DREAMS (AMANDA STRONG, 22 MIN.)

Follow Spirit Bear as he travels from Carrier Sekani territory to the unceded lands of Algonquin Peoples, learning about traditional knowledge, the history of the residential school system, and what First Nations schools are like today.

OUR WAY (LAURA FONTAINE, YASMINE FONTAINE, 6 MIN.)

Two young Innu women take up the old roads of the past to revive the identity of their Nation; a tribute to the Elders, the territory and the Innu people.

HEARTBEAT OF A NATION ( ERIC JANVIER, 20 MIN.)

Heartbeat of a Nation is an evocative short documentary that celebrates the healing of a community and a nation through the reclamation and passing down of traditional teachings within a Dene family.

A RAINBOW TO TURTLE ISLAND (ROBBIE TAIT JR, 6 MIN.)

This short film walks through the Turtle Island Handbook project by Robbie Tait Jr., which arose from a desire to transmit his culture and family heritage through his drawings. He also addresses the political side of his art through his Rainbow Tears project, inspired by a story about a political prisoner, Leonard Peltier.

FURSONA (ALYSSIA LABBÉ-HERVIEUX, 5 MIN.)

The Furry community is made up of people who use drawing and costumes to bring animal characters with human characteristics to life. Fursona depicts the universe of Aly, a member of this community.

POWER (MERISSA VICTOR, 2 MIN.)

Indigenous youths from across BC came together to develop this short film that shows the real issue facing Indigenous women today.

TAKING BACK OUR POWER (ELLE BROWN, 7 MIN.)

This interview-styled film provides insights into the feelings and struggles of Indigenous people in Canada from the younger generation.

NEXT YEAR AT THIS TIME (SARAH CARRIER, 8 MIN.)

Clary, a soon to be high school graduate, has a less than ideal birthday as she is faced with her ignorant school guidance counselor and uncertainty about her future.

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.

Host or Publisher SCA/FCAT