OF ETHNOGRAPHY AND DRAMA

Edge of the Knife the first film shot in Haida Nation language

Poised on the edge of ethnography and drama, Edge of the Knife (SGaawaay K’uuna) has the distinction of being the first film to be shot entirely in the language of the west coast Haida Nation. That would be enough to recommend it as a cultural artifact for a language that is spoken fluently by just a handful of people, but the storytelling makes this a worthwhile experience for audiences

who don’t mind a few subtitles.

Set in the 1800s but featuring no non-Indigenous people, Edge of the Knife tells of two families who meet at a summer fishing camp. Adiits’ii (Tyler York) is a charmer and a doting “uncle” to the young son of his friend Kwa (Willy Russ).

But after an accident involving the boy, Adiits’ii is consumed with guilt and runs off into the forest, where he slowly transforms into Gaagxiid, a wild creature of Haida legend. And a narrative of vengeance becomes one of salvation.

Shot by a mostly Indigenous crew, including directors Gwaai Edenshaw (Haida) and Helen Haig-Brown (Tsilhqot’in), the film was one of several strong First Nations movies to première at the recent Toronto International Film Festival, and perhaps the only one not to feature the great Tantoo Cardinal.

Later, at the Vancouver festival, it took home prizes for best Canadian film, best B.C. film and most popular Canadian film. Its heart and soul transcend language.