Video
Crazywater
Winner of the 2014 Available Light Film Festival, Best Canadian Documentary Award , five Indigenous Canadians bravely come forward with their stories of substance abuse, presenting the sensitive topic of alcoholism in an honest and forthright manner. Alex, Paula, Desirae, Stephen, and director Dennis Allen himself maintain a deep and devoted commitment to their traditional culture to achieve long-term sobriety. Through their voices, this insightful doc offers an inspirational beacon of hope for others. Click on the chat button to send a message or book a screening.
"I have watched this film about three times now. It is beautiful, touching and eyeopening. Thank you to everyone who shared their story and who talked about very personal parts of their lives. I'm sure it was not easy to do. It brought tears to my eyes but also lots of love and hope. Again, beautiful film."
CBQM, The biggest little radio station in the North
Winner of the Alanis Obomsawin Best Documentary Award at the 2009 ImagineNative Film Festival, this charming National Film Board of Canada production brings us through the airwaves of CBQM Radio, the heartbeat of the Gwichin community of Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories. CBQM is sure to put a lasting smile on your face. Click on the chat button to send a message or book a screening.
"Dennis Allen takes us inside the CBQM radio station in Fort McPherson, N.W.T. — and through it creates a tender, intimate portrait of a northern community. Alongside the music, interviews and community announcements, we witness how the airwaves remain a lifeblood of rural — and particularly northern — communities. CBQM is a touching documentary that makes me long for home."
My Father My Teacher
On a crisp summer day in Canada's Western Arctic, Director Dennis Allen and his 77-year-old father, Victor, climb into a boat and head onto the water. They're in good spirits as they prepare to carry on the Inuvialuit tradition of the whale hunt. But, it hasn't always been this simple. After years of animosity, Dennis is working to restore broken links to his culture and community, beginning with his father. MY FATHER, MY TEACHER is an eloquent reflection of the bonds and tensions faced by all families. It is also an extraordinary look at the handing down of a precious family legacy from a father to his son. Click on the chat button to send a message or book a screening.
"I like the way you are brave to take on hard topics. In the north we don't talk about these things. Thank you for breaking trail for the rest of us."
The Walk. A Path to Healing
In 1998, director and cameraman Dennis Allen accompanied the Kahso Go'tine on a historic trek over a traditional walking trail. They had not set foot on the trail in over thirty years, since air transport became available. With stunning footage, stories of personal triumph, and an emotional homecoming, The Walk moves through the lives of a people whose past holds the key to a successful future. Click on the chat button to send a message or book a screening.
"A deeply personal trek into an ancient culture, one that holds the key to a successful future."
The Hunt. Food from The Land
The Dene survive on caribou and fish, heat their homes with wood and haul water from the lake. Since their present-day community was established in 1962, they have lived in isolation and maintained their traditions. But recently electric power, telephone service, satellite television, oil exploration, and access to the community via a winter road have meant a host of new influences. To balance the inevitable changes ahead, every autumn the entire community of 100 people move to the "barrenlands" for the traditional caribou hunt. The hunt points to a hopeful future where tradition and development can exist and prosper side by side. Click on the chat button to send a message or book a screening.
"A beautiful tribute to the traditions and customs that sustain one of the oldest cultures on earth."