Documentary Week Film Festival

Documentary films have become the conscience of the nation, providing a deeper study of contemporary, and often unnoticed, social issues. By using the unique medium of film, Documentarians are able to cultivate a more compelling and fruitful discussion by mixing strongly-driven narratives with vivid imagery.

In recognition of the rising importance of documentaries to public dialogue, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society is proud to announce its Tenth Annual Documentary Week from July 29 to August 2, 2024.

Schedule:

7:30pm - SUGARCANE

Followed by a discussion with directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie live in person!

A National Geographic Film

A stunning tribute to the resilience of Native people and their way of life, SUGARCANE, the debut feature documentary from Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, is an epic cinematic portrait of a community during a moment of international reckoning.

In 2021, evidence of unmarked graves was discovered on the grounds of an Indian residential school run by the Catholic Church in Canada. After years of silence, the forced separation, assimilation and abuse many children experienced at these segregated boarding schools was brought to light, sparking a national outcry against a system designed to destroy Indigenous communities. Set amidst a groundbreaking investigation, SUGARCANE illuminates the beauty of a community breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and finding the strength to persevere.

“‘Sugarcane’ is something more meaningful than a mere history lesson. It’s a portrait of what remains when injustice occurs.” - Indiewire

“This powerful documentary operates from a place of pure and total empathy.” - Deadline Hollywood Daily

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Date: July 29-August 1, 2024