The second film in MUSKRAT Magazine’s Saugeen Takes on Film series is How Far We’ve Come by Anishinaabe director, Jennifer Kewageshig. This short film that was produced through a community of filmmakers: Fabulous Festival of Fringe Film and Film Farm, Zakide, and the Wawasayg Film & Media Arts Festival.
How Far We’ve Come is an ode to the Saugeen Ojibwe Amphitheatre and adjacent monument for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The short film opens with black and white close ups of historical artifacts and bricks in the monument. As we are slowly introduced to the amphitheatre, the sound segues from birds chirping against a drumming background, to the sound of construction signifying the modern changes to the landscape.
Filmmaker Jennifer Kewageshig wants to show “the beauty of the amphitheatre itself and surroundings of the MMIW monument, the traditional fire pit and stone walls.” She was hoping to inspire, “a want, to visit the amphitheatre and see the breathtaking stonework and view of the valley overlooking our traditional territory.”
Kewageshig grew up beside the amphitheatre. “I was 12 years old when the construction of the first amphitheatre began. It has a special place in my heart. It’s a place that remains the same for all generations to appreciate, a place we call home.” She was inspired to make the short film because the Reverend Earl Stotesbury and the Late Chief James Mason had a vision to create more tourism in the community, sharing the beauty, history, and culture of Saugeen First Nation. “We have had visitors from all over the world visit, walk the nature trails along the Saugeen River, and view the then United Church and the amphitheatre in the distance. A place of reconciliation to bring the Natives and non-Native together to share and appreciate the Ojibway culture and to empower our people and our youth for a better tomorrow.”
[How Far We’ve Come insert]
Check out the first film here: Thunder Rolling Home.
These films are being distributed by Vtape.
DIRECTOR’S BIO: Jennifer Kewageshig is Employment and Training Officer at Saugeen First Nation, former Saugeen First Nation Pow Wow Director, and emerging filmmaker. She is an active member of the community coordinating sport, Indigenous Knowledge workshops for youth, and managing the restoration of the Saugeen Amphitheatre.
