Filmed in Port Alberni during 2009/10, Histakshitl Ts’awaatskwii, (We Come From One Root) the 67- minute documentary film will have its Alberni Valley premiere public screening at the Echo Centre on May 14.
In 2010, the film won the Jean Rouch Award from the American Anthropological Association, and in 2011 received the award for “Best Documentary” at the Cowichan International Aboriginal Film Festival.
Everyone Welcome -- Admission Free.
Echo Centre Cedar Room Monday - May 14, 2012
6PM – Doors Open – Hot beverages and traditional snacks
6:30 PM – Welcome and Hupacasath Dancers to entertain
7PM - Film: Histakshitl Ts’awaatskwii
8:10 – 9PM: Discussion and Q&A with Film Makers Chuchkamalthnii and Denise Nichol Green
Histakshitl Ts’awaatskwii documents the remaking of a traditional Nuuchaanulth thliitsapilthim (ceremonial curtain) by Chuuchkamalthnii (Ron Hamilton). The original curtain was originally informed by his Aunt Elizabeth Gallic (Puunii-i). This thliitsapilthim features the history of a noble Hiikuulthat-h woman, Asmanahey, who today has over 400 living descendents, including Chuuchkamalthnii.
Film makers Denise Nicole Green and Chuchkamalthnii also document how many Nuuchaanuth people esteem their own ceremonial curtains and consider the importance of the role they play within families and communities.
The film premiered as part of the UBC ( 2010) Belkin Art Gallery exhibition, Backstory: Nuuchaanulth Ceremonial Curtains and the work of Ki-ke-in.
While the film has been enthusiastically received at film festival and university audiences, this May 14 screening will be the first public screening of this film in the Alberni Valley.
Histakshitl Ts’awaatskwiiwould have been impossible to make without the invaluable cooperation of many Nuuchaanulth people who were involved in the production agreeing to appear in the film as well as those who contributed but did not speak on camera. Finally, they would like to extend their gratitude to the Ethnographic Film Unit at the University of British Columbia who provided financial support to make the film.
This Alberni Premier of Histakshitl Ts’awaatskwii has been made possible with the generous support of the Hupacasath and Huu-ay-aht First Nations and the Ethnographic Film Unit at UBC.
