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About:
Set in the Haida Gwaii region in the 19th century, Edge of the Knife (SG̲aawaay Ḵ’uuna in Haida) adapts a classic Haida folk tale of a man left for dead in the forest who becomes the Gaagiid/Gaagiixiid, or “the Wildman”. After an accident where he is separated from his family, Adiit’si (York) wanders through the forest becoming driven mad by both natural and supernatural forces. As his loved ones, including best friend Kwa (Russ), set out to capture and cure him, Adiits’ii grows increasingly feral.
The first feature film made entirely in the critically endangered Haida language – fluently spoken by fewer than 20 people – the film is a spellbinding and mythical tale of pride, tragedy, and love, set against the stunning backdrop of Canada’s Pacific northwest.
Made with a Haida cast and in collaboration with the Haida Council, this compelling film proves that cinema can be at once a powerful vessel for storytelling and a profound act of Indigenous language and culture revitalization.
This film was awarded the Best B.C. and Best Canadian film at the Vancouver International Film Festival in 2018.
Directors:
Helen Haig-Brown
Writer, cinematographer, and director Haig-Brown’s short film ?E?ANX (The Cave) screened at the Sundance and Berlin film festivals and was named one of Canada’s Top Ten Short Films by TIFF. Her directing credits also include the short documentaries Su naa (My Big Brother) and My Legacy.
Gwaai Edenshaw
Edenshaw is an accomplished artist known for his work with bone, slate wood, and metal. He is also a founding member of the K’aalts’idaa K’ah Storytelling Society. He wrote, produced, and created puppets for Amanda Strong’s short film Haida Raid 3: Save Our Waters. SG̲aawaay Ḵ’uuna is his first feature film.
Reviews:
The Globe and Mail called SGaawaay K'uuna "sharp and thrilling."
The National Post praised the film, noting "its heart and soul transcend language."
The Vancouver Observer lauded the film for being "gripping, exciting and visually stunning"
Specifications: 14A | | Drama, History | DVD Format
