“Hou’ley” By Alexander Sworik

Synopsis

Fond du Lac is a Dene First Nations community in northern Saskatchewan. The name quite literally translates to “Bottom of the Lake,” It has one of the highest suicide rates among youth in Canada.

In this documentary short, one grieving mother tells the story of her fifteen year old son and his untimely and tragic death from suicide. With limited mental health support, it has been nearly three years since she has been able to speak openly about the trauma she and her family experienced following the loss of her son.

Directors statement

The medium of film is a powerful tool to help provoke change. Documentaries specifically provide an unadulterated glimpse into the realities of people who do not always get the chance to be heard or seen. As soon as I found out I could be involved in this project, I jumped at the chance. It’s an important Canadian story to tell, one that is so common among remote First Nations communities but one that does not very often get told. My hope is that through this film, you learn about a grim side of the Canadian experience really hearing Cynthia’s story and feeling the reality of so many families in the community. If enough people hear these stories, then I believe change can happen and these communities can get the support the need and deserve.

Credits

Director: Alexander Sworik
Editor: Brian Chambers
Colorist: Sam Zook
Re-Recording Mixer: Alastair Sims
Produced by Northern Bridge

“Hou’ley” was submitted to us by Alexander Sworik Have a film of your own you’d like us to check out? Click here!