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The Stand film image; two old totem poles in a forest

The Stand

Northern Lights

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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

           

Director
Featuring

Delores Churchill

Credits
Country of Origin

Canada

Year

2024

Language

In English and Haida with English subtitles

Film Contact
18+
95 min
BC Spotlight Documentary Human Rights & Social Justice Indigenous Cinema Q&As at VIFF
National Film Board of Canada

Book Tickets

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Credits & Director

Executive Producer

Shirley Vercruysse

Producer

Shirley Vercruysse

Screenwriter

Christopher Auchter

ANIM

Christopher Auchter

Editor

Sarah Hedar

Original Music

Genevieve Vincent

Christopher Auchter headshot; The Stand director

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.

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