Celebrate Indigenous Voices: Spallumcheen Theatre Hosts Inspiring Film Festival

What better way to celebrate Indigenous stories than with a film festival? Spallumcheen’s Caravan Farm Theatre thinks it’s a great idea. To honor National Indigenous People’s Month, they’re moving their festival from August to June, hoping for clear skies and a great lineup of films.

Estelle Shook, the artistic director, shares her excitement: “These films by amazing Indigenous filmmakers feature standout casts. Showing them on the big screen allows our community to engage in truth and reconciliation while enjoying a lovely evening at the farm.”

Building anticipation, the festival kicks off on June 13 with **Les Fille Du Roi (The King’s Daughters)**. This powerful story follows Kateri and her brother, Jean-Baptiste, who connect with Marie-Jeanne Lespérance, a young girl hoping for a better life, but discovering unexpected challenges along the way.

Directed by Corey Payette, this film has won several awards, including best feature and best director at the Flathead Lake International Cinemafest. Payette has a rich background in theatre, bringing a visually stunning and emotional experience. “It’s theatrical and muscular,” notes Shook.

On June 14, audiences will enjoy **The Great Salish Heist**, an indie film crafted by Secwépemc’s own Darrel Dennis. He’s known for his humor and storytelling. The film is a blend of entertainment with serious themes around cultural appropriation and the preservation of nature, giving it depth beyond a typical blockbuster.

Both evenings will showcase short film winners before the main features. On Friday, expect to see **NIGIQTUQ ᓂᒋᖅᑐᖅ** by Lindsay Macintyre and **Conviction** by Bruce Miller. Saturday brings **sn̓kłca̓ʔsqáx̌aʔ tkłmílxʷ** by Mariel Belanger and Sienna Belanger-Lee, along with **Irninnu Unikaara** by Ipeelie Ootoova. Total running time for both nights will be about an hour and a half.

If you want a more social experience, Shook promises an elevated atmosphere: “We roll out the red carpet for a fun night.” Expect local food from the Tsilhqot’in BBQ food truck, alongside cocktails and hot popcorn.

Tickets are pay-what-you-can, making it accessible for everyone. For more information, visit the Caravan Farm Theatre website.

By showcasing these films, Caravan Farm Theatre helps foster community connections while amplifying Indigenous voices. It’s a chance for audiences to engage deeply with the world around them through storytelling.

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Film Festival|spallumcheen