Patrick Shannon | USA | 97 min Co-presented by The Biking Lawyer
Feature Film Screening: The Skidegate Saints are perennial favourites to win the highly competitive All Native Basketball Tournament, an event players have called modern-day warfare. For over 60 years, this tournament in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, has been a multi-generational gathering place for First Nations from Haida Gwaii to celebrate their culture and community. The Saints have become leaders on and off the court, as they coach younger players and take on responsibilities within their clans. Basketball has provided the team’s members with many tools to succeed and this tournament is about more than just the game. It’s become a symbol of resilience emerging from residential school survivors and provides an opportunity to participate in Ceremony, after the Indian Act banned Potlatches until 1951. While the aging Saints take to the court to defend their title, an emerging contender of younger all-stars from the lower mainland is hungry to challenge the village champions.
DIRECTOR BIO:
Patrick Shannon
Patrick Shannon, also known as Nang K‘uulas is an Indigenous film director and award-winning social entrepreneur from Haida Gwaii, Canada. Patrick’s work centres around social and cultural justice, and the elevation of marginalized voices through education, youth mentorship, media, and technology. With a decade of experience working in the Vancouver film industry, 12 years as an independent filmmaker, and skills as an award-winning entrepreneur, Patrick has the experience and expertise to bring impactful projects to life. Patrick leads InnoNative, an Indigenous media production company that works across Canada and internationally on music videos, documentaries, and scripted narratives. Saints And Warriors is Patrick’s first feature film and tells the story about his legendary village basketball team.
