Cris Derksen

Retelling the history of British Columbia from a diverse and inclusive perspective - Indigenous, Chinese, Japanese, Punjabi, Black, and European stories are woven together for an astute look at the complicated histories that shaped BC.

NIN E TEPUEIAN - MY CRY is a documentary tracks the journey of Innu poet, actress and activist, Natasha Kanapé Fontaine, at a pivotal time in her career as a committed artist. Santiago Bertolino's camera follows a young Innu poet over the course of a year. A voice rises, inspiration builds; another star finds its place amongst the constellation of contemporary Indigenous literature. A voice of prominent magnitude illuminates the road towards healing and renewal: Natasha Kanapé Fontaine.

The world knows the image of the good Canadian. But what if there was a dark secret behind a national identity? THE GOOD CANADIAN exposes the truth behind the idea of a True North strong and free. In this unflinching and eye-opening documentary, directors Leena Minifie and David Paperny move us through the corridors of systemic inequity, from the Indian Act to residential schools, to modern-day family separation. Fusing shocking footage with detailed interviews with experts, advocates, whistleblowers and politicians, THE GOOD CANADIAN challenges national myth-making, while offering Canadians the chance to forge a new identity from the truth.

Accompanied by a 10,000-year-old shapeshifter and friend known as Sabe, Biidaaban sets out on a mission to reclaim the ceremonial harvesting of sap from maple trees in an unwelcoming suburban neighborhood in Ontario.

Anna is pregnant and thinks about castrations. Katinka may not be able to become a farmer and wears her bikini in the milking parlor, but grandma's tomatoes have turned out better this year than ever before. A summer on dying German farms.

Anishinaabe stories of the Moon People are retold through an experimental steampunk animation by Irish, Anishinaabe, and Métis Elizabeth Aileen LaPensée with music by Cree cellist Cris Derksen. Named in honor of Basil Johnston's work. Curated in the Museum of Contemporary Native Art's Turtle Island Rising: Past and Futures Program.

SD Holman talks with BTGWTV about the Queer Arts Festival 2013 and the societal need for radical representation of queer art. Performances by Cris Derksen and Kinnie Starr are included.