Silent Tears

199728 minFilm: Fiction

Direction: Shirley Cheechoo

Production: Jerry KrepakevichShirley Cheechoo

Script: Shirley Cheechoo

Produced by Spoken Song Productions Inc. in co-production with the National Film Board of Canada and the Banff Centre for the Arts.

Based on a Cree family's true story, Silent Tears is a gripping drama that chronicles a very tough northern winter for nine-year-old Anne, her parents and siblings. Hunger sets in when her father, Roger, becomes sick and can no longer tend the trapline. When a horrendous tumour begins growing on the back of his neck, Anne's mother, Sarah, has to operate to remove it and save his life.

While Sarah cares for Roger and the younger children, Anne takes on more responsibility, checking the traps herself.

Eventually Roger is cured and he burns the tumour so that its terrible effects will never again be visited on the family. As Anne watches the fire consume the source of her father's pain, she discovers an appreciation for the mystery of the natural world and recognizes the rebirth symbolized by the ritual fire.

In Cree (with English subtitles) and English.

Availability


Subject categories


  • Health and Medicine > Accidents, Emergencies and First AidCancerIndigenous PeoplesTreatment and Rehabilitation
  • Social Issues > Health and IllnessIndigenous PeoplesSocial Problems
  • Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Métis) > Health and SafetySocial Conditions
  • Families > Indigenous Families

Credits


director
Shirley Cheechoo
script
Shirley Cheechoo
producer
Jerry Krepakevich
Shirley Cheechoo
executive producer
Shirley Cheechoo
photography
Daron Donahue
sound
Nick Huard
editing
Lenka Svab
music
Leland Bell
Blake Debassige
cast
Elizabeth Trudeau
Shirley Cheechoo
Matthew Melting Tallow
Jack Burning
Deldon Amos
Heather Rae

Awards


  • Best Live Short Subject AwardAnnual American Indian Film Festival
  • Special Showcase RecognitionVermont International Film Festival