In determiNATION songs three native artists (CerAmony, Cheri Maracle and Samian) use voice, rhythms, samples and guitar riffs to cut through big ‘P’ politics to reveal a vibrant native music scene while exposing the realities and struggles in their communities. As resistance grows across Indian country, this film about music, art and politics pulls aboriginal stories from the back pages and puts them squarely at the front of the stage.
Agitprop Film Fest : “Growing up, many young Aboriginal artists experienced a loss of traditional culture and language. Music became a vehicle to reclaim native language and aspects of traditional culture that have been slowly eroding over centuries of colonial policy.
In the process, their work becomes a powerful source of strength, cultural renewal and political awareness for members of their community, particularly the youth, be it on or off reserve, in the city or in isolated settlements. For the broader public, these artists move people to dance, cry, think and act, all the while becoming more aware of the concerns facing First Nations peoples today while challenging their own perceptions of what it means to be Native’.
Cheri Maracle’s Wikipedia page. An interview with this artist on the Ontario Performing Arts Presenting Network’s website. You can also followh her on Twitter! Listen to Cheri singing O Canada in Mohawk here.
Samian’s Wikipedia page. The rapper’s Facebook page.
CerAmony’s Wikipedia page. Listen to the group on Spotify!
Official Selection
Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montréal (RIDM)
International Festival of Audiovisual Programs – Biarritz (FIPA)
Les Rendez-vous du cinéma québécois (RVCQ)
Montreal Human Rights Film Festival (FFDPM)
Dreamspeakers Film Festival, Edmonton, Canada
Montreal First Peoples Festival 2010, Quebec
American Indian Film Festival, San Francisco
