Sugarcane

This outstanding film has moved audiences worldwide. It is artistic, sensitive and provocative. It has heightened awareness across North America and educated those of us who were unaware of the horrors of the residential schools and their legacy of pain and trauma. Most significantly, it has helped a wounded community to help and allowed the film’s participants to express themselves after decades of shame and silence. It has impacted every indigenous community who has seen it and was a catalyst for the President, PM and the Pope to apologize. There is no other documentary I have seen this past year that has had this level of social impact. A beautifully crafted film that has stayed with me for months.

This documentary is heartwrenching and life altering. The stories of survivors are harrowing and full of despair that seems to seep through the screen with palpable sadness that reflects the depth of pain, loss and suffering of the First Nation's people in Canada and greater Turtle Island. Even more turmoil than anyone should ever endure is revealed by the stories of those who are victims and were buried in secrecy and evasion to cover up the abuses of clergy and the government on the most vulnerable and innocent. It's a must see for anyone who cares about the ongoing genocide of tribes and the untold stories that are now being brought to light after generations of continual exploitation. Any and all activists who care about these matters should watch this and raise awareness for the voiceless lost relatives that for so long went ignored. 5 stars.