This captivating, in-depth music doc explores the life, art and activism of acclaimed Cree singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie. Since her early days as an unknown musician touring First Nations reservations and folk music festivals, Sainte-Marie has smashed barriers every step of the way. Now, with the musician’s full participation, Canadian filmmaker Madison Thomas looks back on the highs and lows of her storied career-from her becoming the first (and only) Indigenous artist to win an Oscar for Best Original Song, to the censorship and blacklisting she faced after using her music to protest the Vietnam War and advocate for issues affecting Indigenous peoples. Thomas expertly combines never-before-seen archival material, present-day performance footage and intimate interviews with both Sainte-Marie and friends such as Joni Mitchell, Taj Mahal and Alanis Obomsawin. Sainte-Marie’s unique perspective on life and deep sense of compassion is what the world needs right now, more than ever.
Buffy Sainte-Marie will be participating in a virtual Q&A at this free community screening.
Tickets: FREE for everyone
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the October 1, 3:30 p.m. screening is offered for free with a suggested donation to the Hot Docs-Weengushk Film Institute Fund. 100% of donations collected will go directly to the school to support its important work.
View our health & safety measures here.