If you grew up reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian or caught Smoke Signals (or its spin-off, made years later, Hey Viktor! featuring Cody Lightning; review link), let’s just say this year’s F1RST Celebration of Indigenous Film is worth checking out, locals and tourists to Victoria, BC alike.
Now in its third year, this event is bringing Sherman Alexie to The Vic Theatre. The writer behind some of the most recognized Indigenous storytelling in contemporary literature and film is headlining this edition, and the centerpiece is a newly restored print of The Business of Fancydancing, the film he wrote and directed, followed by a post-screening Q&A. He’ll also sit down with actor and physician Evan Adams (Smoke Signals, Bones of Crows) for a featured conversation on acting, writing, and directing.
From the Press Release:
“Having Sherman Alexie join the program creates space for a deeper conversation about how Indigenous stories are told, adapted, and brought to life on screen,” said Kathy Kay, the director of the Victoria Film Festival, who organizes F1RST. Alongside his leadership in Indigenous health, Adams, a physician, has built an acclaimed career in film and television. His notable screen credits include Smoke Signals, The Business of Fancydancing, Kayak to Klemtu, and the award-winning series Bones of Crows.
This year’s F1RST lineup includes:
- təm kwaθ nan (Namesake) – Friday, July 17 at 7:00 PM
- Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising – Saturday, July 18 at 12:30 PM – All-ages screening, free with registration
- The Business of Fancydancing – Saturday, July 18 at 4:15 PM
- A Cree Approach – Saturday, July 18 at 7:00 PM
- Illustrated Legacies: Graveyard of the Pacific – Sunday, July 19 at 3:00 PM – Vancouver Island/Washington-based
- Aki – Sunday, July 19 at 5:15 PM
In addition to the featured conversation with Alexie and Adams, F1RST will host Producing 101, a free industry talk with local filmmaker Barbara Todd Hager. The session focuses on the fundamentals of film production and creating work within independent and Indigenous cinema.
Events are 19+ with the exception of Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising and the two talks.
F1RST is supported by the Victoria Foundation, Creative BC, the Province of British Columbia, and Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures. Tickets and full festival details are available at https://www.victoriafilmfestival.com/festival
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