Cinéfest film is set in the future, but has undertones of Canada’s residential school era
A new film called 'Night Raiders' by a Métis-Cree filmmaker is coming to Sudbury’s Cinefest this weekend.
Although it is set in the future, it echoes the dark days in Canada when Indigenous children were taken from their families and sent to residential schools.
The film is set in the year 2043. It follows a Cree mother and her daughter on the run to avoid being taken by authorities.
Danis Goulet, the writer and director of Night Raiders, said the film is set in dystopian North America.
“It is a very fast-paced moving kind of like future thriller, so everything is imaginary but it’s also an allegory," Goulet said. "It talks about colonial policies that were inflicted upon Indigenous people in Canada.
“It also is, I would say, hopeful and is very much about the love between the mother and child and then how that extends to the community, as well.”
Goulet said she began writing the story in 2013. But after the truth of what happened at residential schools came to light, she said it might change the context of how people view the film.
“This is a very heavy history for us all to contend with, but communities really need the truth to be acknowledged in order to heal,” said Goulet. “In the film, everything circles around the mother and the daughter and their bond and connection. It’s really about what Indigenous people had to go through under the system.”
Cinéfest officials said they are looking forward to airing the film, especially with it being so relevant to the news about residential schools and reconciliation.
“First of all, it’s a great thriller on its own as its own film, but the underlying messaging is just so strong," said Cinefest executive director Tammy Frick.
"I think it will engage youth, it will engage a lot of people that might not be really cognitive of the emotion that went along with the residential school issues.”
Night Raiders received rave reviews recently at the Toronto International Film Festival. It will be airing at Cinéfest Sudbury on Sept. 25.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.