A young woman is on a journey to revive the ancient Inuit tradition of face tattooing, a tradition that has been forbidden for a century, and almost forgotten.

Synopsis

Inuit traditional face tattoos have been forbidden for a century, and almost forgotten. Director Alethea Arnaquq- Baril, together with long-time friend and activist Aaju Peter, is determined to uncover the mystery and meaning behind this beautiful ancient tradition. Together they embark on an adventure through Arctic communities, speaking with elders and recording the stories of a once popularized female art form. Central to the film is Arnaquq-Baril’s personal debate over whether or not to get tattooed herself. With candour and humour, she welcomes us into her world, to experience firsthand the complex emotions that accompany her struggle. Past meets present in this intimate account of one woman’s journey towards self-empowerment and cultural understanding.

A journey by canoe into the city creates a dynamic connection between natural and urban spaces and celebrates the fierce resourcefulness of Indigenous people.

Synopsis

Guided expertly by those who live on the land and driven by the pulse of the natural world, Caroline Monnet’s MOBILIZE takes us on an exhilarating journey from the far north to the urban south. Over every landscape, in all conditions, everyday life flows with strength, skill and extreme competence. Hands swiftly thread sinew through snowshoes. Axes expertly peel birch bark to make a canoe.  A master paddler navigates icy white waters. In the city, Mohawk ironworkers stroll across steel girders, almost touching the sky, and a young woman asserts her place among the towers. The fearless polar punk rhythms of Tanya Tagaq’s “Uja” underscore the perpetual negotiation between the modern and traditional by a people always moving forward. MOBILIZE is part of SOUVENIR a four-film series addressing Aboriginal identity and representation by reworking material in the NFB’s archives.

A powerful dance used to illustrate the life of a First Nations sex worker.

Synopsis

A dance through Vancouver's Downtown Eastside serves as a haunting metaphor for the life of a First Nations sex worker in this powerful short documentary from director Wayne Wapeemukwa.

An ass-kicking female vigilante seeks revenge in this social commentary on violence against Indigenous women.

Synopsis

After the justice system fails the survivor of a brutal, racially-driven sexual assault, she becomes a motorcycle-riding, ass-kicking vigilante who takes on the attackers of other women who've suffered the same fate. A no-holds-barred, neo-noir action/thriller wherein an ass-kicking female vigilante seeks revenge in this social commentary on violence against Indigenous women.

Two worlds collide in an unnerving musical number exploring the dark side of justice and the power of authority.

Synopsis

A cop comes across what he suspects to be a shoplifter caught in the act, but the confrontation doesn't go nearly as expected.