VIFF ‘07: Canadian Images: Elijah

If you are an Aboriginal person or a so-called Canadian, see this film!

History is often presented in a boring way: this film is fun, smart, funny and dramatic, even though we know the ending.

I love aboriginal humour and this film is full of it. It also exposes the racism rampant in Canadian society but never preaches.

The focus is on Elijah Harper, a hero to Aboriginal peoples everywhere and it seems, most people living in what is called Canada. The man is painfully humble and shy but determined to make a difference. He stood up to incredible pressure and not only defeated the Meech Lake Accord, he inspired the folks at Oka later that year and he helped reduce the seemingly unstoppable Mulroney-led conservative federal government to 2 seats in the subsequent election.

Phil Fontaine is a huge figure in this film as well and he is portrayed to be both a strong leader and a caring human being. Elijah’s wife, Elizabeth, is shown to be what most political men’s wives are: workhorses and the foundation upon which the men depend.

The film comes from an Aboriginal point-of-view but is imminently fair to the white folks that deserve it; that last statement clearly comes from a white man because the truth is simply the truth in the Aboriginal world.

Do yourself a huge favour: see this film and have a great laugh, maybe even a cry (I did the 2nd time) and understand a critical part of Canada’s history in the process.

Screenings:
Friday, Oct 5th @ 7:15pm: Empire Granville 7 Theatre 2
Monday, Oct 8th @ 1:30pm: Pacific Cinematheque