101 minutes – Drama
Release date: April 13, 2018
Canadian distributor: Elevation Pictures

Based on Richard Wagamese’s award winning novel, Indian Horse sheds light on the dark history of Canada’s Residential Schools and the indomitable spirit of Indigenous people. Starring Canadian newcomers Sladen Peltier, Ajuawak Kapashesit and Edna Manitouwabe as well as Forrest Goodluck (The Revenant), Michael Murphy (Away From Her), Michael Lawrenchuck (Tokyo Cowboy), Johnny Issaluk (Two Lovers And A Bear) and Michiel Husiman (The Age Of Adaline), Indian Horse is set in Ontario in the late 1950s. Eight-year-old Saul Indian Horse is torn from his Ojibway (Anishnaabe) family and committed to one of Canada’s notorious Catholic Residential Schools. In this oppressive environment, Saul is denied the freedom to speak his language or embrace his Indigenous heritage while he witnesses horrendous abuse at the hands of the very people entrusted with his care. Despite this, Saul finds salvation in the unlikeliest of places and favourite Canadian pastime – hockey. Fascinated by the game, he secretly teaches himself to play, developing a unique and rare skill. He seems to see the game in a way no other player can. His talent leads him away from the misery of the school, eventually leading him to the Pros. But the ghosts of Saul’s past are always present, and threaten to derail his promising career and future. Forced to confront his painful past, Saul draws on the spirit of his ancestors and the understanding of his friends to begin the process of healing.