Documentary About Residential School Experience Wins Sundance Prize

By Isaac White

Park City, Utah – The Sundance Film Festival, in its 40th year, has awarded the Directing Award: U.S. Documentary to the film “Sugarcane” by directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie. The film, an investigative piece focusing on abuse and missing children at an Indian residential school, was recognized for its exceptional direction at the prestigious festival.

The jury, in their citation, highlighted the film’s sensitive cinematography, careful production, and editing, which effectively interweaves multiple narratives. This approach has been instrumental in bringing to light the history and multigenerational impact of crimes experienced by the community near the Sugarcane Reserve.

“Sugarcane” delves into the investigation of the residential school near the Sugarcane Reserve in British Columbia, Canada. The school, operational from 1886 to 1981 and run by Roman Catholic missionaries, has left a legacy of trauma, including forced family separation, physical and sexual abuse, and the destruction of Native culture and language.

The film’s recognition at Sundance is particularly significant given the festival’s scale this year. The 40th edition showcased 82 films selected from 17,435 submissions from 153 countries. “Sugarcane” stood out among these entries, bringing to the forefront the issue of residential schools in Canada and their long-term impact on Indigenous communities.

Ed Archie NoiseCat, a survivor of the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School near the Sugarcane Reserve, attended the screening at the festival along with other members of the Canim Lake Band Tsq̓éscen. The school’s location in Williams Lake, approximately 326 kilometers northeast of Vancouver, has been a focal point in discussions about the residential school system’s legacy in Canada.

The award announcement was made at the Ray Theatre in Park City, Utah, during the festival running from January 18-28. This year’s Sundance Film Festival, a renowned platform for independent filmmakers, again proved to be a showcase for films that not only display artistic excellence but also address critical social issues. “Sugarcane,” through its insightful and impactful storytelling, has contributed significantly to the dialogue around Indigenous history and the quest for truth and healing in North America.