Portraits From a Fire

Creative Industries Week (May 16–20) showcases British Columbia’s dynamic creative sector and the industries that propel the province’s economic and cultural reputation. To celebrate the occasion, VIFF is presenting a free screening of Portraits from a Fire, directed by Trevor Mack – winner of the B.C. Emerging Filmmaker Award at VIFF 2021.

Possessing more determination than discernible talent, teenage Tyler (William Magnus Lulua) routinely premieres his lo-fi DIY films on his reservation for a smattering of viewers who struggle to stay awake. Undaunted, he retains his belief that he and his films are bound for bigger things. At the very least, they can be a bigger draw than bingo. Just as his new friend Aaron (Asivak Koostachin) practically manifests from the ether to provide him with some welcome encouragement, a DV tape resurfaces that casts new light on his family’s history and may just provide answers to questions that he’s long harboured.

Returning to the Tl’etinqox Reserve where he grew up, Trevor Mack has delivered an accomplished, open-hearted first feature both made about and in collaboration with his community. Mingling authenticity and invention, Mack employs recurring formal flourishes to illustrate the porousness of the membrane separating past and present. As Tyler abandons escapism in favour of unearthing difficult truths, Mack testifies that where there is trauma, there is likewise the opportunity for healing.

Bursts with joy and energy.

Marsha Lederman, Globe and Mail

A harrowing yet hilarious coming of age tale… it’s seriously great.

Edmonton Chronicle