A Must See Film will open in theatres across Canada on April 13, 2018.
This powerful transformational film is close to my heart because of the painful residential experiences that have touched our family due to ignorance , racism and lack of respect. The messages in it can apply to all of us. Please go see this important film!
In late 1950s Ontario, seven year-old Saul Indian Horse is torn from his Ojibway family and committed to one of Canada’s notorious Catholic residential schools. In this oppressive environment, Saul is denied the freedom to speak his language or embrace his indigenous heritage and he witnesses all kinds of abuse at the hands of the very people who were entrusted with his care. Despite this, Saul finds salvation in the unlikeliest of places and favourite Canadian pastimes — hockey. Fascinated by the game, he secretly teaches himself how to not only play but develops a unique and rare skill. It’s as if he has eyes in the back of his head and can see the game in a way no other player can. His talent leads him away from the misery of the school to a Northern Ontario native league and eventually the pros. But the ghosts of Saul’s past will always haunt him. Forced to confront painful memories and revelations, Saul draws on the spirit of his ancestors and the understanding of his friends to gain the compassion he so sorely needs in order to begin healing. Indian Horse is a survivor’s tale that foregrounds the indomitable spirit of North America’s Indigenous peoples in the face of aggressive assimilation policies and racism.
Based on the award-winning novel by Richard Wagamese, INDIAN HORSE will open in theatres across Canada on April 13, 2018. Recounting the story of Saul Indian Horse and his remarkable journey from a northern Ojibway child torn from his family and placed in one of Canada’s notorious Catholic residential schools, to a man who ultimately finds his place in the world, Richard Wagamese’s best-selling novel rose to critical acclaim when first published in 2012.
Shot on location in Sudbury and Peterborough, Ontario, INDIAN HORSE stars Canadian newcomers Sladen Peltier and Ajuawak Kapashesit who, along with Forrest Goodluck (THE REVENANT), portray title character, Saul Indian Horse, at the three stages of his life. The film also stars Michiel Huisman (GAME OF THRONES, THE AGE OF ADALINE) and Michael Murphy (FALL, AWAY FROM HER, X-MEN) and features a compelling performance by newcomer Edna Manitowabe. A residential school survivor herself, Manitowabe brings a soulful presence as Saul’s indomitable grandmother.
Awards:
- Kamloops Film Festival – Most Popular Film Award & Audience Choice Award
- Victoria Film Festival – Cineplex Entertainment Audience Favourite
- Available Light Film Festival – Audience Choice, Best Canadian Fiction
- Vancouver International Film Festival – Super Channel People’s Choice Award
- Calgary International Film Festival – Audience Favourite, Narrative Feature
- Edmonton International Film Festival – Audience Award for Best Dramatic Feature
- Cinéfest Sudbury – Runner up, Audience Choice Award – Best Feature Film
About Elevation Pictures:
Founded in 2013, with finance partner Teddy Schwarzman of Black Bear Pictures, Elevation Pictures has established itself as one of Canada’s leading film and television companies. Elevation’s team of seasoned production and distribution executives are committed to bringing an elevated and robust film and television slate to audiences.
Sources: Many thanks to Elevation Pictures, and also the great help of Carrie Wolfe, publicist.
Some additional information about the film is below and you can also learn more at www.Indianhorsefilm.com.
A special note from a friend of Richard Wagamese.
“When I meet him he was sleeping under bridge- he learned to put it all down on paper. A wonderful guy. Moved to Kamloops through hockey system Meet our people through hockey. Came to terms with the past, and used his talent to create books.” Ken Michel, his friend.
