Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun, directed by Banchi Hanuse, is a stunningly photographed, rousing, and atypical kind of sports movie. Rooted in indigenous tradition, it’s the story of a determined, fearless young woman trying to break through in a male dominated field.
That field in question is known as the Indian Relay, a dangerous race where horse riders do a blisteringly fast lap around a track, leap off their steed, and immediately onto the back of another waiting animal to do another circuit around the loop. While there’s more of a culture of women participating in the Indian Relay south of the border in America, Sisiska-Blackfoot teenager Logan Red Crow finds it hard to break into the sport in Canada, where most women are only allowed to participate in single lap horse races. Logan comes from a family that has some degree of legacy in the sport, with brothers willing to help in her training and a father that’s supportive up to a point. Dad understands Logan’s desire and sees her talent and hard work, but he would much prefer her to get an education and the opportunities he walked away from growing up. He also worries about Logan sustaining more injuries than she already has. But for Logan, competing in the Indian Relay is her biggest goal in life.
Featuring some of the best drone photography ever seen in a documentary and gorgeously captured western Canada landscapes, Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun looks like a work of art. The setting and culture are fully immersive, as is the overwhelming amount of positivity shown by Logan and her family. Even when things are at their lowest or most contentious, there’s always a kind word to be had, and all criticism levied is constructive rather than cutting. It’s all obviously building to a “big race” finale, but Hanuse’s framing of Logan’s story of overcoming barriers and personal fears is natural and unforced; a sporting film that earns every bit of its catharsis.
Saturday, April 29, 2023 – 2:30 pm – Scotiabank 7
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 – 3:00 pm – TIFF Bell Lightbox 2
Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun will be available to stream across Canada via Hot Docs from May 5th to 9th.
Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun is a Telus Original.
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