
World Premiere
Mixing animation with a wealth of archival footage, Chris Auchter’s film explores the 1985 dispute over clearcut logging on Haida Gwaii. On one side are Western Forest Products and Frank Beban Logging, who plan to engage in clearcut logging on Tllga Kun Gwaayaay (Lyell Island) and are supported by the BC government. On the other side is the Haida Nation, which wishes to protect its lands against further destruction. The confrontation involves court proceedings and a blockade, and Auchter takes us from canny retrospective commentary to the thick of the action.
Crucial to The Stand’s political aims is its depiction of simple human grace. The pride and passion of the Haida Nation representatives are foregrounded; especially stirring are spokesperson Miles Richardson, Jr. and the elders who are willing to be arrested for their actions. There is no harsh rhetoric (save for the bloviation of TV commentator Jack Webster, who strenuously supports the loggers); instead, the controversy is marked by a respect that does not at all undermine moral conviction.
Oct 3: Q&A with director Christopher Auchter and producer Shirley Vercruysse
Oct 5: Q&A with director Christopher Auchter
Presented by
Media Partner
Delores Churchill
Canada
2024
In English and Haida with English subtitles
Book Tickets
Indigenous & Community Access
Indigenous Access Tickets Community Access Tickets Ticket Donation Requests
Credits & Director
Executive Producer
Shirley Vercruysse
Producer
Shirley Vercruysse
Screenwriter
Christopher Auchter
ANIM
Christopher Auchter
Editor
Sarah Hedar
Original Music
Genevieve Vincent

Christopher Auchter
Christopher Auchter grew up roaming the beaches and forests of the Haida Gwaii. His art is rooted in the land and stories of the Haida people and his practice is fuelled by his close connection to the natural environment, his adventures, and experiences. Auchter studied media arts at Emily Carr University and computer animation at Sheridan College. His work includes contributions to Daniel Janke’s How People Got Fire (2008) and projects with Electronic Arts and Nintendo. He has also illustrated children’s books and graphic novels.
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
A Streetcar Named Desire
"I don't want realism. I want magic!" declares Blanche du Bois, the tragic heroine who meets her nemesis in her sister's husband, Stanley Kowalski, in Tennessee Williams' great play. Brando's performance as Stanley is a turning point in American acting.
The Other
Filmed from 2017-2024, including post October 7 and during the subsequent war, Joy Sela's documentary is an inspiring testament to how human beings -- even in the worst circumstances -- can transcend difference to forge connection and understanding.
#Skoden
Pernell Bad Arm was a man, and much more than the provocative meme (captioned #Skoden: Let's go then) which went viral about a decade ago. Damien Eagle Bear gives us a warm and respectful portrait of the man he knew.
On the Waterfront
Marlon Brando's definitive performance as Terry Malloy, a New York dockworker (and once a promising boxer) who loses faith in his union and his smarter but corrupt older brother Charlie (Rod Steiger) after a whistleblower is murdered.
Stories of Our Lives
Stories of Our Lives (62 mins) documents personal stories of lovers, fighters and rebels and the community histories that characterize the queer experience in Kenya. This is preceded by the touching and resonant 38-minute Nigerian love story, Ìfé.