The directorial feature debut of Ryerson graduate Adam Garnet Jones, Fire Song is an emotional tale of community, self identity, and the struggle to fit in, set in the northern reserves of Canada.
The film follows Shane, a gay teenage Anishinaabe who is forced with the decision to stay at his reservation, or leave his community to go to post-secondary education. Friends, family and even his girlfriend cannot help with this decision, as it ultimately means abandoning his identity to fit into society’s standards, a society that has a history of actively oppressing the community.
With emotional performances from Andrew Martin, Mary Galloway, and Harley Legarde-Beacham, this feature film feels anything but amateur. The cinematography, framing, and lighting all serve to accent the raw emotions presented. Although some scenes can be over the top with drama, the cringe worthy moments are few and in between, seemingly forgotten with the amazing score and soundtrack.
As you get emotionally invested in all these characters, you realize how universal this story is, and how your deepest doubts, fears, and concerns are within each of these characters.
With an aboriginal cast, filming at Forth William First Nation and Wabigoon First Nation reserves, it is sufficient to say this is truly a Canadian film, representing a minority group that succeeded today’s majority immigrant population.
Winner of the Jim Burt Screenwriting Prize, this is a historical piece of Canadian cinema that deals not only with Aboriginal identity, but sexuality, depression, suicide, and is a true coming of age story for all.
Victoria Goldberg, Arts Editor
Featured image courtesy of Toronto International Film Festival
