Against the current, Kayak to Klemtu
Films with environmental themes can be tricky to pull-off, especially in ways that aren’t preachy or sanctimonious. However, in “Kayak to Klemtu,” director Zoe Leigh Hopkins weaves these themes into a heartwarming film about family and perseverance, her Heiltsuk heritage helping to guide a faithful portrait of the relationship between Indigenous people and the land.
Ella, played by Ta’kaiya Blaney, is a 14-year-old First Nations girl who speaks out against the construction of an oil pipeline, continuing the campaign of her recently deceased Uncle Dave.
The film follows Ella on a kayak journey to her family home in Klemtu, B.C. During the trip she forges connections with family and with the land she aims to preserve. Joining her on the expedition are her aunt Cory, Dave’s irritable brother Don, and Dave’s grief-stricken stepson Alex. Together, they make the 800-kilometre trek through the Great Bear Rainforest to prevent oil interests from threatening the ecology and cultural import of Klemtu.
The portrayal of the family members is honest and genuine, a true testament to the cast of “Kayak to Klemtu.” Ta’kaiya Blaney especially lends an air of authenticity in the role of Ella, likely owing to the fact that offscreen she is a notable Tla’amin Nation activist focused on environmental issues. Blaney’s Ella is a convincing grieving teenager, capable and strong-willed. Evan Adams, also a Tla’amin Nation actor, gives Uncle Dave an abundance of loving, paternalistic energy, which inspires his family throughout their journey. While Adams is only around in flashbacks and visions, Uncle Dave is one of the film’s memorable characters. The combination of Adam’s acting and Hopkins’ direction expertly depict the influence a single family member can have on others in a clan.
As a film whose entire premise is underscored by the beauty and importance of nature, “Kayak to Klemtu” rightfully gives the natural beauty of British Columbia centre stage. The cinematography in this film is spectacular, with shots that leverage the power of full-scale cinema to capture the wonder of the B.C. landscape. Hopkins works with cinematographer Vince Arvidson to create stunning visuals pushing the audience to invest in the wellbeing of the wilderness just as Ella and her family have.
The camera work makes Ella’s journey intimate, personal, and important to the audience. By the film’s end, the scenery and the beauty of the natural world become another character — realized with the same weight as any of the lead actors on the screen.
The strength of this film is the effort and care that so evidently went into its production. You can sense the attention to detail and diligent consideration that went into every frame.
As a directorial debut, “Kayak to Klemtu” showcases the passion Hopkins has for both her subject matter and the art of film making itself. She is able to balance the weight of her subject with tenderness, keeping the audience entertained while delivering a profound message.
Many films with an environmental bent fixate on political struggle — the fight for a sustainable planet. “Kayak to Klemtu” is instead a nuanced, dramatic tale that reinforces respect for the natural world we’re a part of.