The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is back to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a stacked lineup of Indigenous films and arts-related events taking place throughout the city. imagineNATIVE seeks to uplift Indigenous culture, while also celebrating artists who continue to break down barriers and build community through storytelling.
Although the festival previously took place in the fall, the move to summertime makes this year’s edition fitting for National Indigenous History Month. Running in person from June 3-8 and virtually from June 9-15, imagineNATIVE’s programming includes screenings of films by Indigenous filmmakers (like Seeds and Aberdeen), events that shine a light on Indigenous artistry, as well as other programming that provides a well-rounded exploration of Indigenous talent and craftsmanship.
The festival is an opportunity to participate in traditional gatherings, experience live performances, see thought-provoking artwork, and champion Indigenous cinema in Canada. It is also a chance to inspire the next generation of creatives, as they carry on the legacy of those who came before them. To help plan your imagineNative itinerary, here is a guide with screenings and events to keep in mind.
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Welcome Gathering
To kick off the festival in high spirits, the Welcome Gathering will be a free celebration open to all. Enjoy traditional singing and dance performances, as well as participate in the community feast organized by Dashmaawaan Bemaadzinjin (They Feed the People). Guests can also visit the Three Sisters Indigenous Craft Market to shop and support local artisans. More info.
When: June 3
Where: Spadina Museum
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Aberdeen
Directed by Eva Thomas and Ryan Cooper, Aberdeen follows the titular character (Gail Maurice) as she navigates several hardships while trying to provide stability for her grandkids. Houseless and without an ID, the protagonist only finds what she’s been looking for when she returns home. With hints of humour, this film drives audiences to feel inspired by Aberdeen’s sense of resilience and her journey to breaking generational trauma. More info.
When: June 4
Where: TIFF Lightbox – Cinema 1
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Kōkā (Matriarch)
In this road trip drama, Māori elder Hamo (Hinetu Dell) accidentally hits Jo (Darneen Christian) with her car. Feeling responsible for what happened, Hamo takes the young misfit under her wing, and the two form an unlikely friendship that enables them to face the past and find the path to healing. Helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Kath Akuhata-Brown, this project offers a touching portrayal of connection and reconciliation. More info.
When: June 4
Where: TIFF Lightbox – Cinema 1
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We Were Dangerous
Set in 1954 at a New Zealand reform school with a strict Christian curriculum, Māori teenagers Nellie (Erana James) and Daisy (Manaia Hall) find solace in each other’s company. Their friendship later extends to Lou (Nathalie Morris), a mysterious newcomer. The trio are then faced with a horrific set of circumstances under their matron’s watch, leading them to come up with a plan to escape the institution for good. We Were Dangerous marks Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu’s feature debut, offering a daring look at Indigenous displacement and girlhood. More info.
When: June 5
Where: TIFF Lightbox – Cinema 1
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Art Crawl
This event is a festival staple, showcasing Indigenous artists and storytellers through curated exhibitions. imagineNative partners every year with local art galleries to present works that push boundaries and redefine expectations surrounding Indigenous culture. With opportunities to hear from attending artists and curators, this is a free, ticketed event with multiple venues to explore. More info.
When: June 5
Where: Collision Gallery,Onsite Gallery, Gallery 44, YYZ Artists’ Outlet, Bachir/Yerex Presentation Space, and Royal Ontario Museum
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NiiMisSak: Sisters in Film
Although it hasn’t been an easy journey for women to put their stamp on Indigenous cinema, their efforts have not been taken for granted. In this insightful documentary, Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin sits down with Indigenous female filmmakers to discuss their personal trajectories into the industry. Through mentorship, sisterhood, and community-building incentives, the film seeks to inspire the next generation of Indigenous storytellers. More info.
When: June 8
Where: TIFF Lightbox – Cinema 2
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Seeds
Fresh off multiple Canadian Screen Award nominations, and one win, Kaniehtiio Horn’s directorial debut is an unsettling thriller about sellout culture. It follows Ziggy (played by Horn), a Toronto bike courier and budding influencer who makes a deal with a seed company called Nature’s Oath. While housesitting for her aunt at the reserve, the protagonist uncovers the dark truth about the company she’s been promoting and how it affects her family legacy. More info.
When: June 8
Where: Fort York National Historic Site
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