A washed-up former child actor who can’t seem to get his life together decides that the only way to get back on track is to recreate his glory days with a belated sequel to the landmark 1998 indie movie that put him on this path. Cue Smoke Signals 2: Still Smoking…
Cody Lightning (who played the young Viktor in Chris Eyre’s seminal Native American classic) has a lot of fun, mostly at his own expense, with this surprisingly edgy meta-mockumentary, and successfully reassembles many of the original cast, including Simon Baker, Adam Beach, Gary Farmer and Irene Bedard. For the most part, they’re (understandably) dubious about his project — only his best friend Kate (Hannah Cheesman) really believes. But Cody’s willing to do whatever it takes to make sure Lightning strikes twice.
This dark and sometimes raunchy comedy suggests healing comes through laughter and chaos — not necessarily in that order.
October 4 & 5: Q&A with director Cody Lightning & crew
Presented by
Series Presenter
Series Media Partners
Community Partner
Cody Lightning, Hannah Cheesman, Simon Baker, Adam Beach, Gary Farmer, Irene Bedard, Colin Mochrie
Canada
2022
Northern Lights
English
Frequent Coarse Language
Book Tickets
Indigenous & Community Access
Indigenous Access Tickets Community Access Tickets Ticket Donation Requests
Credits
Executive Producer
Blackhorse Lowe, Samuel Miller
Producer
Joshua M. Jackson, Sara Corry, Kyle Thomas, Blake McWilliam
Screenwriter
Cody Lightning, Samuel Miller
Cinematography
Liam Mitchell
Editor
Sarah Taylor
Production Design
Megan Koshka
Original Music
Matthew Cardinal
Director
Cody Lightning
As an actor, Cody Lightning is iconic for his performance as Little Viktor in 1998’s Smoke Signals. Hailing from Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, Cody began acting at age five in the film Geronimo. Since, he has become one of Hollywood’s most active Indigenous actors, best known for his roles in Johnny Depp’s directorial debut The Brave, Rian Johnson’s Brick, and many, many more. In 2023, Cody will star in Marvel’s upcoming ECHO series. In recent years, Lightning has taken on greater creative responsibilities, including producing, directing, and writing, focusing on projects that highlight how hilarious Indigenous people are.
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
Ryan Oliver Plays John Coltrane + Chasing Trane Documentary
To celebrate the centenary of the great John Coltrane, we're hosting a live performance by saxophonist Ryan Oliver and his quartet, followed by a screening of the definitive documentary, Chasing Trane (99 min).
American Doctor
One of the most powerful documentaries of the year, this puts us smack in the open wound that is Gaza, filtered through the eyes of three American surgeons (of Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrian backgrounds) compelled to do their utmost to alleviate harm.
The Last Picture Shows
Rustin Thompson journeys into the American West on a search for traces of what was once a center of small-town life: the movie theater. Despite the struggles of recent times, he also discovers inspiring stories of hope and community.
All the Lovers in the Night
A lonely proofreader's isolated world begins to open through an unlikely friendship with a gentle physics teacher. Based on Mieko Kawakami's acclaimed novel, this luminous drama is a delicate meditation on loneliness, intimacy, and self-discovery.