Haida Film Screening

EDGE OF THE KNIFE (Sgaawaay K'uuna) Waai Edenshaw, Helen Haig-Brown, Canada, 2018 100 mins. In Haida with English subtitles.  Classification: 14A - Violence  Curriculum Interest: BC First peoples 12, Social Studies 10 & 11, English First Peoples Filmed on stunning Haida Gwaii, Gwaai Edenshaw and Helen Haig-Brown's 19th-century epic is a nod to the grand storytelling traditions that lure us to the big screen. The fact that it's the first narrative scripted and shot in two dialects of the endangered Haida language-which has only 20-odd fluent speakers left-also certifies it as a landmark work of cinema. Guilt-ridden after a tragic accident at sea, Adiits'ii (Tyler York) retreats into the wilderness where he's plagued by spirits and transformed into Gaagiixiid/Gaagiid, the Haida Wildman. As his loved ones, including best friend Kwa (William Russ), set out to capture and cure him, Adiits'ii grows increasingly feral. Working in collaboration with Isuma, the team responsible for Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, Edenshaw and Haig-Brown harness raging elements and swirling emotions to craft a riveting dramatization of this classic Haida tale of survival, forgiveness and community. Best BC Film, VIFF 2018 Best Canadian Film, VIFF 2018

When: Friday November 30, 1pm Where: VIFF Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St, Vancouver  Bookings: Email education@viff.org with your school name and the number of students you would like to book for. We hope you can join us! Ellyn Hadley VIFF Education Coordinator T: 604.685.0260 ext.866