Montreal First Peoples’ Festival puts spotlight on Indigenous cinema

The 32nd edition of the Montreal First Peoples’ Festival put a spotlight on Indigenous cinema Tuesday evening with an award ceremony at Monument-National.

“It’s so very important to understand that talent exists everywhere,” said Charles Bender, Montreal-based Indigenous actor.

“No story is going to be as genuine as a story where you got so many people from different perspectives to come together and tell their sides of these stories.”

His love for his Indigenous heritage is manifested on the stage and screen.

Appearing in the series “Pour toi Flora,” and Mohawk Girls among others, Bender is a successful actor.

Montreal First Peoples’ Festival (Photo: Pamela Pagano, CityNews)

A regular presence on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.

“Why do I love cinema? Such a huge question,” said Bender. “It really is a medium that allows you to dive so deep into somebody else’s shoes.”

The cinema featured in the Montreal First Peoples’ Festival is described as: Dreamlike, realistic, and striking.

“I am excited that we have a jury that has decided on different awards,” said André Dudemaine, Cultural Activities Director of Land InSights, the driving force behind the festival. “Now all is in envelopes and we will have to open them.”

Montreal First Peoples’ Festival (Photo: Pamela Pagano, CityNews)

Competing for prestigious awards, and an international selection of films.

From Mexico, Norway, and Australia to name a few.

“That brings together the Indigenous point of view all around the world,” explained Dudemaine.

Montreal First Peoples’ Festival (Photo: Pamela Pagano, CityNews)

“The amount of extraordinarily talented artists that we are blessed with as First Nations and as people living in Quebec and in Canada,” added Bender.

The 2022 edition of the festival runs until Aug. 18th.

And Bender’s advice for young indigenous actors and filmmakers: “to never give up.”

“There was a time where obstacles in your way were many and really hard to overcome,” said Bender. “There are a lot of people through the years that have worked to make those obstacles a lot less daunting.”

“So now is the time to come in, now’s the time not to give up and come and join us in this wonderful community of actors,” he added. “It’s really a lot of fun to do.”