Private Project

s-yéwyáw / AWAKEN

Stories of hope and homecoming intersect as Indigenous multimedia changemakers learn and document the teachings of their Elders.

Ecko Aleck of the Nlaka'pamux Nation (Lytton, BC,) Alfonso Salinas of the shíshálh Nation (Sunshine Coast, BC,) and Charlene SanJenko of Splatsin of the Secwépemc Nation (Shuswap, BC,) are learning and documenting the traditional cultural teachings and legacies of their Elders, including the impacts of genocide resulting from Canada’s Indian Residential School (IRS) system. Calling the audience’s attention to the filmmaking process of narrative collaboration between an Indigenous and settler team, this character-driven documentary connects the transformative stories of three Indigenous multimedia changemakers and their four Elders. Infused by Indigenous ceremony, s-yéwyáw: Awaken walks alongside the process of intergenerational healing.

  • Liz Marshall
    Director
    Meat the Future; The Ghosts In Our Machine; Midian Farm; Water On The Table
  • Ecko Aleck
    Writer
  • Liz Marshall
    Writer
  • Alfonso Salinas
    Writer
  • Charlene SanJenko
    Writer
  • Ecko Aleck
    Producer
  • Liz Marshall
    Producer
  • Alfonso Salinas
    Producer
  • Charlene SanJenko
    Producer
  • Ecko Aleck
    Key Cast
  • Alfonso Salinas
    Key Cast
  • Charlene SanJenko
    Key Cast
  • hiwus Calvin Craigan
    Key Cast
  • x wu’ p’ a’ lich Barbara Higgins
    Key Cast
  • Wenecwtsin, Wayne Christian
    Key Cast
  • Terry Coyote Aleck
    Key Cast
  • Eddie O
    Editor
  • Patti Poskitt
    Line Producer
  • Özgün Gündüz
    Associate Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 32 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    August 21, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    422,550 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Planet in Focus Environmental Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    October 13, 2023
    World
    People's Choice Award
  • VIFF Centre
    Vancouver
    Canada
    November 25, 2023
    Vancouver
Director Biography - Liz Marshall

Born and raised in Toronto, Liz found her passion for storytelling at 16, behind the lens of her first camera. Fresh out of the Media Arts program at Ryerson (Metropolitan University) in the 1990s, she documented the lives of musicians, artists and activists, and worked extensively in TV before being swept into the realm of international documentary filmmaking. With a focus on social justice, environmental and animal ethics, Liz Marshall has co-created multiple award winning projects filmed around the world. Working with diverse teams and communities, global funders and changemakers, her body of work is recognized for its intimate access, visually emotive storytelling, and consciousness raising impact.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Relationships are central to our project. We acknowledge the importance of Indigenous peoples sharing Indigenous stories, and that their stories remain sovereign with the original keepers of those stories.

CO-PRODUCER'S - CO-WRITER'S STATEMENT

"As parents and as Indigenous multimedia creators, we are deeply committed to healing, finding our voice and speaking our truth. We are sharing the stories of our Indigenous Elders with the world to amplify their knowledge and wisdom in collaboration with non-Indigenous allies. The teachings of our Indigenous Elders are needed now more than ever to navigate a changing world."

— Ecko Aleck, Alfonso Salinas, Charlene SanJenko

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

"I humbly walk with this film as a settler director at the request of Indigenous friends, filmmakers and the communities who invited me to bear witness to their truths and healing journeys. Guided by Indigenous teachings to bring our whole selves to the work, this film has initiated a profound process of decolonization. I hope it will serve as a model for other Indigenous and non-Indigenous teams working together, toward personal and systemic change."

- Liz Marshall