Watch Fire Song

Fire Song is a 2015 Canadian drama film directed by Adam Garnet Jones. Set in the remote Anishinaabe community of Weesakayjack First Nation, the movie follows the story of Shane (Andrew Martin), a gay Indigenous teenager who struggles to reconcile his dreams of leaving the reserve with his obligations to his family and community. The movie starts with a powerful scene of Shane's sister, Destiny, committing suicide in their family home. The tragic event shakes Shane's world and sets the tone for the rest of the film. As his family falls apart, Shane is left to pick up the pieces and take care of everyone around him. But as he tries to put on a brave face, he feels trapped by his life in the reserve and his inability to openly express his sexuality.

The movie presents a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by young Indigenous people living in remote communities. It touches on issues such as poverty, addiction, suicide, and the impact of colonialism on Indigenous cultures. But it also shows the sense of community and interconnectedness that exists in these places, and the importance of family and tradition.

Throughout the movie, Shane struggles to find his place in the world. He dreams of going to university and becoming a writer, but feels guilty about leaving his family behind. He's also torn between his love for his boyfriend, David (Harley Legarde), and his fear of being rejected by his community if they find out he's gay.

The relationship between Shane and David is central to the movie's themes of identity and acceptance. Despite the challenges they face, they share a deep bond and a mutual desire to escape their current situation. But as Shane's plans for the future start to take shape, David becomes increasingly anxious about what will happen to their relationship.

Jennifer Podemski gives a strong performance as Shane's mother, who is struggling with her own issues of addiction and loss. She represents a generation of Indigenous people who have been affected by the trauma of residential schools and forced assimilation. Her character is complex and flawed, but Podemski brings a sense of compassion and understanding to the role.

The movie is visually stunning, with gorgeous shots of the Canadian landscape and the northern lights. It's also notable for its use of Anishinaabemowin, the native language of the Anishinaabe people. The dialogue is a mix of English and Anishinaabemowin, which adds an authentic and immersive quality to the film.

Fire Song is an important and timely movie. It tackles difficult subject matter with sensitivity and grace, and sheds light on a community that is often overlooked in mainstream media. It offers a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the challenges faced by Indigenous youth, and highlights the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

Fire Song is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.