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Totems

Justin Deegan
United States, 2019, 14 min.

In English.
Includes adult language.

A post-apocalyptic film about two indigenous men existing in the aftermath of colonial America. Totems represents a slice of the sub-conscience mind of the modern day indigenous man. After 528 years, The Id (Ben Dupris) and the Ego (Ajuawak Kapashesit) must find a new way of existing in their colonized Turtle Island, territory of Seattle.

Director's Statement

I love cinema. I grew up watching films of every sort since childhood. My favorite growing up was Saturday Night Fever and Star Wars. The impact of film had on my mind was resounding. However, I have always wanted to see more of me on the big and small screen. Which, actually means more representation of me. Deep down I knew that I wanted to make a film, but, I never knew how to go about doing it. It wasn't until I was cast in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest that I had a better understanding. I later moved to New York to pursue an acting career. I was immediately cast in a short film. To make a long story short, I discovered they made the film without me. That is the very moment I decided to make my own films. I have made a few short films that did play at a few festivals. They were my own original scripts but I discovered myself going off script. I am primarily and actor turned writer, producer, director. I'm always looking for talented actors across the board, especially in INDIAN COUNTRY. Therefore, when we made Totems. We were completely improvised and I gave the actors free reign to just jam off of my story ideas. This film was a lot of fun to just run and gun with a great crew and really talented actors. I LOVE MOVIES.

Category: Drama.
Themes: Identity, Indigenous, Native American, Post-apocalyptic.