May 05, 2010
Hello Cool World Supports DOXA Youth Films
By
David Ng
HELLO COOL REVIEWS
Six Miles deep is a film about the oldest matriarchal democracy in the world – the 6 nations, or Haudenosaunee people. Set during the 2006 conflicts at Caledonia, the film explores indigenous land claims issue, through the perspective of the women leaders in the community. It's one of several youth films we are promoting at DOXA.
While at the surface, the film may seem to be addressing land claim issues, the deeper issues are wider than that. These young filmmakers successfully illustrate the indigenous “world view” in a way that encompasses all of the political battles that indigenous people in Canada are fighting for today, as well as other social issues, such as gender. Through the voices of the clanmothers, the film explores what an indigenous “world view” means, and how it functions in aboriginal culture.
While in the literal sense, the indigenous people in the film were fighting for “land”, the battle is clearly more than just over a piece of land. One of the clanwomen in the film clearly states that the battle isn’t just over who has the rights over the property, but rather, the battle is about the right that everyone has to not just that specific piece of property, but to all of the earth’s resources. The battle is wider than just one political battle, it’s about looking at the earth in a different view.
It’s not just about we are matriarchal, you are patriarchal, we respect the earth, and you exploit it. This film makes it very clear – it’s a way of life. It’s a way of viewing the world. Instead of the “this is my piece of land” mentality, the film talks about the indigenous perspective that “the earth is big enough for everyone”.
In the past four years, HelloCoolWorld has had the opportunity to work with youth, and to have youth share with us their stories through our video workshop “Star in Your Own Stories”. By telling their stories, the youth have shared with the world the issues that concern them such as rumors and STI’s, stereotypes about First Nations people, and the importance of STI testing.
Both The Healing Lens and Six Miles Deep are amazing examples of how youth film can highlight themes that are meaningful to young people in different communities.
OTHER YOUTH FILMS SUPPORTED BY HELLO COOL WORLD AT DOXA
The Healing Lens
In 2007, filmmaker Michelle Derosier released her dramatic film Seeking Bimaadiziiwin, a fictionalized but realistic depiction of the struggles of First Nations youth dealing with depression, suicide and racism. After auditioning hundreds of young people, Michelle assembled a stunning cast of first-time actors from around Northwestern Ontario. After working with the young “actors” on the film, Derosier decided she wanted to work with them further; this time to make a documentary about their real lives. That is how she came to make The Healing Lens, a film about the healing power of art and culture, and the resiliency of First Nations youth.
[NOTE: for the past four years we have been working with Chee Mamuk Aboriginal Program to make short films in collaboration with youth in communities in BC through a workshop called "Star in Your Own Stories." View these short films at YouthHaveThePower.com.]
BAS! Beyond the Red Light
In BAS! Beyond the Red Light, 13 young girls who were sold and then rescued from Mumbai’s infamous network of gated brothels, confront the inner and outer perils of life and reveal their very personal story inside the big business of child trafficking.
The Sari Soldiers
Julie Bridgham’s film was shot over three of the most tumultuous years in Nepalese history. King Gyanendra’s decision to dissolve parliament and seize power was met with fierce opposition, and as the country was riven by civil war, ordinary families were caught in between.When a woman named Devi Sunuwar spoke out about government brutality, the army kidnapped her daughter Marin, in lieu of Devi herself. For more than three years, Devi tries to discover her daughter’s fate.
P-Star Rising
An adorable yet precocious 9-year-old Priscilla, tells her single-father, Jesse, “I am going to become a rapper and fulfill your dreams of succeeding in the music business.” Moved by Priscilla’s undeniable passion and impressed with her natural talent, he begins to teach her all he knows about rapping.
Tag(s):
Aboriginal,
Film Launch,
First Nations,
Youth
Recent Blogs by David Ng:
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David Ng is a Hello Cool World veteran with experience going back a decade. David first worked with us when he was just 14 years old as a participant in the youth advisory group for the sexual health education program Condomania. Now an accomplished videographer passionate about the issues of gender and power, he is currently on sabbatical in South Africa while he pursues a Masters in Gender Studies with a focus on international development.
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