Donna's Story (Do not use)

200150 min 57 secFilm: Documentary

Direction: Doug Cuthand

Production: Graydon McCreaJerry Krepakevich

An intimate portrait of a fiercely determined survivor, Donna's Story profiles a Cree woman who left behind a bleak existence on the streets. She has re-emerged as a powerful voice counselling Indigenous adults and youth about abuse and addiction Donna Gamble was raised in foster homes, addicted to drugs and caught up in prostitution by the age of 13. The camera unravels her exhilarating and tumultuous journey: her motivation to turn her life around, her work to keep others off the streets and the renewal of personal relationships with her family and children. With courage and candour, Donna also reveals an ongoing struggle with addiction, exposing the rage and pain of abuse that can haunt even the strongest person. Doug Cuthand's absorbing documentary also introduces Donna's mother and daughters. With extraordinary purpose, these women hope to shatter the cycle of addiction and abuse that has affected generations of their family.

Subject categories


  • Health and Medicine > Alcohol, Drugs and TobaccoIndigenous PeoplesTreatment and Rehabilitation
  • Families > Child AbuseFamily Violence
  • Women > Cultural GroupsSubstance Abuse
  • Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Métis) > Family LifePortraitsSocial ProblemsWomen
  • Sexuality and Reproduction > Incest and Sexual AbuseProstitution
  • Children and Youth > Violence and Child Abuse

Credits


director
Doug Cuthand
assistant director
Tasha Hubbard
editor
Harley Michailuck
director of photography
George Hupka
additional photography
Kevin Hogarth
Glen Markwart
grip
Daniel Shingoose
location sound
Thomas Hale
Lanny Westgard
music composer
Ross Nykiforuk
musician
Ross Nykiforuk
Jay Semko
sound editor
Downy Karvonen
sound mix
Serge Boivin
Jean Paul Vialard
online editor
Carey Komadina
colour correction
Joe Owens
production assistant
Pauline Cuthand
production supervisor
Kelly Isaac
program administrator
Margaret Smith
associate producer
June Morgan
Bonnie Thompson
executive producer
Graydon McCrea
producer
Jerry Krepakevich

Awards


  • Award for Best documentary over 30 minutesSaskatchewan Showcase