In the heart of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, one Nation is reclaiming the power they held for millennia. As the impacts of colonial exploitation and mismanagement take an increasing toll on their territory, the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation finds strength in its stories and culture, emerging as a stewardship leader in a new age of reconciliation in Canada. A powerful story of resurgence, the weight of hereditary leadership, and the responsibility they carry into the modern world told through the eyes of elder and hereditary chief Nismuutk, Ernest Mason Jr., and the new young leaders following in his footsteps.
Keepers of the Land provides a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration into the intersection between environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and the enduring strength of community. The film’s excellent direction, cinematography, and storytelling creates a profound experience, fostering a deep sense of empathy and understanding that impressed the entire jury.
– Alec Suriyuth, VIMFF 2024 Jury
