Browse films

The Incredible 25th Year of Mitzi Bearclaw

Shelley Niro
Canada, 2021, 96 min.

In English.
This film is family friendly.

As Mitzi Bearclaw turns 25 years-old, she is faced with a tragic decision – stay in the big city to pursue her dream of designing hats or leave her boyfriend and return home to her isolated reserve to help care for her sick mother. Loyal to her family, Mitzi reluctantly returns to Owl Island to find that not much has changed. Her confidence and modern style clash with the sleepy, slow-paced island; the bullies are the same; the handsome Honeyboy is still running the water taxi; and Annabelle, Mitzi’s mother is still as bitter and unloving as ever. She’s also reunited with her spiritual friends, Faith, Hope and Charity who guide her as she navigates a year of anger, loss, and love. Mitzi is soon surprised to find comfort in being home and starts to question her destiny. 

Director's Statement

Thank you to the Andrew Smith Gallery Arizona for arranging this screening in Tucson. I will be present for a Q&A after the film and will be present at the opening of my exhibition of photographs at Andrew Smith Gallery Arrizona on April 22nd.

Category: Dramedy.
Themes: Indigenous, Family.