Three Feathers – The Movie to launch in November
FORT SMITH, NT – After much anticipation, we are thrilled to announce that Three Feathers – The Movie will launch in Hay River, Fort Smith, and Fort Resolution this November.
Community showings schedule:
Hay River | Friday, November 16 | Riverview Cineplex | 7pm; 9pm
Fort Smith | Saturday, November 17 | Paul W. Kaeser High School Gymnasium | 7pm
Fort Resolution | Sunday, November 18 | Deninu School Gymnasium | 2pm
This live-action movie is ground-breaking in that it was filmed and produced in four different languages: nēhiyawēwin (Cree), Dëne Dedlıne Yatıé (Chipewyan), Dene Yatıé (South Slavey), and English. The 45-mınute English version will be shown this November, while the shorter, 20-minute Indigenous language versions will be distributed as a language-learning resource to schools as soon as they are complete.
The movie is based on a graphic novel of the same name by Richard Van Camp, which tells the story of three young men – Flinch, Bryce and Rupert – who have vandalized their community. They are sent by its Elders to live nine months on the land as part of a circle sentencing process. There, the young men learn to take responsibility for their actions and acquire the values that have been lacking in their lives – humility, caring and respect.
Also noteworthy is the almost entirely northern cast and crew: Dwight Moses, David Burke and Joel Evans are playing the three starring roles as adults, while local Elders Eileen and Henry Beaver are acting as the troubled youths’ mentors. Fort Smith local Carla Ulrich wrote the screenplay and directed the film; Brent Kaulback, Ann Lepine, and Richard Van Camp produced the film; while all supporting roles and volunteer positions were filled by locals.
The film was shot over the four seasons in and around Fort Smith to capture the diversity of seasonal cultural activities that take place on the land. Filming began in March 2016 and wrapped up January 2017.
At the same time as the premiere, we will also be releasing a special edition of the graphic novel which includes an 8-page spread of colour photos from the film shoot.