Wilfred Buck

Lisa Jackson / Canada / 2024 / World Premiere / 97 min

Wilfred Buck’s life is not just the story of a single man who has overcome the most incredible trials. It is also a story of how indigenous people across generations have struggled to reclaim lost knowledge, ancient traditions and, most importantly, self-respect after hundreds of years of colonialism. Buck is a member of the Cree people of North America and Canada who, after a long life of inner exile and painful addiction, has rediscovered the cosmological teachings of his people and is now an educator and spiritual guide for a new generation. Filmmaker Lisa Jackson, herself a member of the Ojibway people, has created a unique film in the free and creative spirit of her protagonist, which, regardless of dominant narrative forms and dramaturgy, is inspired by his way of thinking and simply being present in the world. The result is a beautiful and compelling work that moves between past and present, and between Earth and the stars, to overcome the ghosts of colonisation.