Seeking Bimaadiziiwin
Catalogue Number: RTV040
Producer: RESEARCHTV INC.
Producers: Saxberg, Kelly
Directors: Saxberg, Kelly
Producing Agencies: Shebandowan Films and Thunderstone Pictures
Subject: Canadian Social Issues, Criminal Justice & Law, Documentary, First Nations Studies, Guidance, Health and Medicine, Indigenous Issues, Indigenous Peoples, Psychology, Social Issues, Social Sciences
Language: English
Grade Level: Post Secondary, Adult
Country Of Origin: Canada
Copyright Year: 2007
Running Time: 30:54
Reserve life, family problems and the death of a close friend push Kaitlyn, a young Anishinawbe woman, into a deep depression. Following a suicide attempt and a lengthy hospital stay in a strange city, she is encouraged by her psychiatrist to participate in group therapy with three other Anishinawbe youth. The four group members represent the four directions and the diversity that is found within Native culture. Reluctant at first, she and the others in the group begin to find strength and support in each other. They grow through the relationships built with one another and their culture. However, a series of events and losses continue to make Kaitlyn’s recovery uncertain. It’s not until she almost loses one of her new close friends, that she begins to see clearly how precious life is.
Accompanying the drama is Sharing Tebwewin, an educational documentary designed to help health workers become more “culturally competent” when working with First Nation clients.
Both films were co-produced with Thunderstone Pictures.
Best Live Action Short Film 32nd Annual American Indian Film Festival, San Francisco
Best Film, 2008 Algoma International Film Association Awards
Best Film, 2008 Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards
Best Director, 2008 Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards
Best Cinematography, 2008 Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards
People’s Choice Award, Bay Street Film Festival, (Thunder Bay, Ontario)