About a Film Director From NDG
Indian Horse was Stephen's directorial debut - and a stunning film it is! It tells the story of an Ojibway family who are escaping to the wilds to evade the grasp of the church and the Residential School system. The family gets fragmented and the young boy - Saul - becomes caught up in the Residential School. Thanks to the good heartedness of one of the pastors - Saul - who shows a tremendous interest in hockey despite the fact that he is too young to play under the school's authority - by promising to tend the rink in early mornings gets to learn how to skate and play through watching Hockey Night In Canada on the pastor's TV.
The story takes us through the teen years of Saul - also named Indian Horse - as he demonstrates exceptional skills as a hockey player - and through this and the assistance of people who care for him - improves his life situation - as both a person and a hockey player. It also demonstrates the trials and tribulations and ridicule native people have suffered at the hands of white men - both on and off the ice. It remains to be seen whether Saul had the talent to become an NHL star - as did Reg Leach - as he gave up in Junior A hockey - caving to bad behaviour on the ice - getting too many penalties to warrant keeping a player with his scoring touch. The close of the film demonstrates that while hockey was the most important thing in his life - going back to his roots was a very close second - and brought him tremendous closure - and back to living a life of goodness with people who loved him.
Before watching the movie I contacted Stephen in LA. I told him I was going to watch. He told me it is a tough movie. I found it thoroughly enjoyable and insightful. I recommend everyone watch it. If you are in Canada, you can access it through CBC Gem. If you have Facebook, you can watch it here. If you don't have either, you can rent it through Amazon Prime. Thank you, Stephen, for a thoroughly enjoyable and important film!
All my love,
Comments
Post a Comment