Year: 2003
Language: English
Format: Digital Betacam (NTSC) Colour
Runtime: 24 min
Director: Randy Redroad
Producer: Laura Milliken, Jennifer Podemski
Writer: Laura Milliken, Darrell Dennis
Cinematographer: Matt Philips
Editor: Randy Redroad
Sound: Lucas Labreque
Music: John Garlow
Cast: Candy Fox, Kristin Friday, Danna Henderson, Vanessa Ironeagle, Paulette Poitras
Production Company: Big Soul Productions

Issues facing First Nations youth emerge in Moccasin Flats, a moving, unsentimental portrait of life in the inner-city Aboriginal community of Regina. Justin, a young native man, is hesitant to leave his harsh neighbourhood for university when an old enemy is released from jail, threatening the safety of his girlfriend and family.

Produced as part of an Aboriginal youth media empowerment programme called repREZentin’ – which saw producer Jennifer Podemski train fifty Regina-area teens over fifty-six hours of filmmaking and acting workshops – Moccasin Flats is the pilot of a six-part television series (the first Aboriginal drama series in North America), which aired on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network in 2004. The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival® and went on to play at festivals around the world, including the Sundance Film Festival.

By: Andrew McIntosh