A powerful story about Indigenous resilience amidst British colonialism will be screened at Coquitlam's Evergreen Cultural Centre next week.
Ayasew Ooskana Pictures Inc. announced that Bones of Crows, the feature film written and directed by award-winning Métis/Dene filmmaker Marie Clements, has added new dates and locations to its National Indigenous community screening tour.
Bones of Crows is an epic multi-generational story of resilience told through the eyes of Cree Matriarch Aline Spears (played throughout her life by Summer Testawich; Secwépemc actor Grace Dove; and Carla Rae).
Removed from their family home and forced into Canada’s residential school system, young musical prodigy Aline and her siblings are plunged into a struggle for survival.
Over the next 100 years, Aline and her descendants fight against systemic starvation, racism, and sexual abuse — to build a more just future, a press release states.
Bones of Crows will be featured on Monday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. at Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam. Entry to this community screening is free.
Opportunity to 'confront' painful history
Filmmaker Clements has said it's been difficult for many Canadians to confront the painful history of Indigenous Peoples, and she hopes her sweeping drama can help. For Indigenous audiences, she hopes it offers "some relief" to see their story told.
Bones of Crows stars Secwépemc actor Grace Dove (Alaska Daily), and the following additional actors:
- Phillip Forest Lewitski (Wildhood),
- Rémy Girard (District 31),
- Karine Vanasse (Cardinal),
- Alyssa Wapanatâhk (Peter Pan),
- Michelle Thrush (Prey),
- Gail Maurice (Night Raiders),
- Cara Gee (The Expanse),
It was filmed in the Kamloops, area.
The historical saga debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival and opened the Vancouver International Film Festival on Sept. 29.
The Coquitlam screening is one of a number of showings of the film in B.C. before its theatrical release.
— with a file from Canadian Press
