Wildhood

Stuck in a Nova Scotia trailer park and going nowhere fast, Link (Phillip Lewitski) is always on the run, fleeing local cops, dodging his abusive dad, and denying his Two-Spirit nature. When he discovers that, contrary to his dad’s claims, his Mi’kmaw mother may still be alive, he and his half-brother Travis (Avery Winters-Anthony) finally have purpose. On the road to Mi’kma’ki, they pick up Pasmay (Joshua Odjick), a gregarious drifter and pow wow dancer who represents Link’s best chance at locating his mom and finally experiencing a sense of acceptance.

In their first feature film, Bretten Hannam crafts a road movie in which both the journey and destination offer opportunities for self-discovery. The slow burn romance between Link and Pasmay proves both carnal and catalytic, with the sparks that fly igniting Link’s interest in his heritage and willingness to fully embrace his true nature. Hannam’s persuasive coming-of-age tale reminds us how empowerment often comes courtesy of intimacy and tenderness.

Having grown up in rural Northern Ontario, Wildwood immediately felt familiar to me, both in terms of its landscape, but also its gay narrative. Director Bretten Hannam works wonders in crafting this beautifully delicate and heartfelt journey.

Corey Payette, Guest Curator

Free admission to Indigenous-identifying patrons

The emotions are heavy and the sense of vulnerability unshakable in this open wound of a film about broken lineage, generational trauma and the yearning to find community.

Radheyan Simonpillai, NOW Toronto

Enlivened by elegant handheld cinematography and a galvanizing breakout performance from Phillip Lewitski, Wildhood is a beautiful testament to the power of authentic storytelling.

Jude Dry, Indiewire

This is a moving tale about finding one’s culture, one’s family and one’s place in the world. It’s got humour and heart to spare.

Chris Knight, National Post