Three short films produced under the umbrella of Doc Lab Saskatchewan will be screened for free tonight (8 pm) at the Remai Modern. The shorts -directed by three local filmmakers chosen from over 30 hopefuls- were supported by the National Film Board (NFB), alongside Creative Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Filmpool Cooperative.
The films are all superb and underscore the importance of having a cinematic voice representing of the province:
Talking at Night by Eric Thiessen (in attendance): The film captures the daily routine at Saskatoon’s Mobile Crisis Centre, where overextended workers must fend calls from the city’s most vulnerable. Thiessen’s fly-on-the-wall approach gives a good idea of the challenges the organization faces day in and day out. Extra points for not using the callers for emotional effect.
To Wake Up the Nakota Language (Nakón-wįcó’i’e oǧų́ǧa) by Louise Big Eagle: This short chronicles Armand McArthur’s efforts to save the Nakota language from oblivion. McArthur is a charismatic presence, and the loneliness of not having anyone to talk to transcends the screen. A beauty.
Ride by Kristin Catherwood: The most visually accomplished of the bunch, Ride follows Liam Marshall, a bareback bronc rider from Big Muddy Valley. It doesn’t have the social resonance of the other two, but the all-access pass to a little known activity makes it interesting.
The shorts will also be shown in Big Beaver, at the Community Hall next Monday 26th, with Kristin Catherwood and Liam Marshall in attendance.