Description

A true story of love, bravery and unshakeable determination

A thrilling portrait of a young Siksika woman and the deep bonds between her father and family in the golden plains of Blackfoot Territory as she prepares for one of the most dangerous horse races in the world… on bareback. A sport for the truly brave, Logan Red Crow is an Indian Relay rider who vaults from horse to horse in short, exhilarating races. She is a champion in the making -besides her skill and sheer grit, Logan has a loving family, an elite group of horses, and a home on her ancestral lands. Those are invaluable, but this rider will need more for victory. With the dual pleasures of serenity and suspense: lyrical immersion in rural life
alternates with thrilling race footage. As she pushes toward her goal, the connections between animal and human, family and community, ancestral tradition and contemporary life are profound and lasting.

Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun was shot on location in beautiful Siksika Nation, Tsuut’ina, Îyâxe Nakoda, Blackfoot Territory, Enoch Cree Nation ᒪᐢᑫᑯᓯᐦᐠ Maskêkosihk, Casper, Wyoming.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT:

From the outside, it looks like it’s only one human individual preparing for a race – it’s so much more than that. The relationship between Siksika people and horses is one that has been cultivated for hundreds of years. The Indian Relay race stems from these relationships.Though this is Logan Red Crow’s story, the horses she races with are central figures. The horses have their own unique relationships with everyone in the film. The film allows human-viewers to be immersed in the horses’ close physical,
spiritual and emotional connections. The bonds between Logan as rider, the team who takes care of the horses, and Logan’s family, have to be unbreakable for Logan to be a contender in such dangerous events. Logan Red Crow has a loving and dedicated family behind her including a profoundly deep connection with her Father. It is the intense journey -the celebrations, the heartbreaks and the teachings -leading up to the races that pulls the audience along intimately with Logan, and the horses, and everyone who has helped them prepare. In essence, the film Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun is an Indigenous story about love and one we do not see often enough.

Genre: Feature Documentary
Director: Banchi Hanuse
Subjects: Logan Red Crow, Allison Red Crow, Racey Big Snake
Writers: Banchi Hanuse, Tanya Maryniak
Languages: English, Blackfoot
DOP: Ben Giesbrecht, Luke Connor
Producers: Mike Wavrecan, Izzy Pullen, Carey Newman
Production Company: Taxam Films

Friday, January 10th, 7 pm

Run Time: 88 minutes

See trailer HERE