The sophomore feature from Koostachin features Sera-Lys McArthur (Outlander), Matthew Kevin Anderson (Never Let Go), Renae Morriseau (North of 60), Mahiigan Koostachin (MisTik) and Asivak Koostachin who stars in the upcoming HBO Max series Duster from J.J. Abrams.
“I wholeheartedly believe that Indigenous cinema is its own genre, a blend of comedy, sci-fi, drama, supernatural and thrillers. Our stories represent the strength of our diversity and our deep cultural connection to our communities and to our Ancestors,” says Koostachin. “Our stories are timeless, vital and have the power to reach beyond our own. As artists it is so important that our work is seen and experienced, which is why I am so thrilled to have Motion 58, a company of fellow filmmakers, distributing Angela’s Shadow.”
Motion 58, helmed by Kyle Rideout and Josh Epstein (Eadweard, Adventures In Public School), is a boutique Canadian film production and distribution company specializing in daring, outside-the-box cinema that provokes and challenges audiences. Motion 58 is the sole west coast Telefilm-approved distributor, their upcoming credits include writing Astrid’s Deathlist in development at Paramount Pictures, Youngblood (Aircraft and Dolphin Pictures) and Knight’s Camp with Good Question Media, starring Sophia Lillis and Judy Greer.
“We were captivated by this story of resilience. As filmmakers, we understand the importance of amplifying bold voices, and we’re eager to find and connect with viewers who resonate with Angela’s Shadow’s powerful narrative of survival, defiance, and ancestral power,” says Motion 58’s Epstein and Rideout.
In Angela’s Shadow, Angela and Henry, young 1930s socialites with a baby on the way, embark on a short trip north to the Cree community of KiiWeeTin to visit Angela’s beloved childhood nanny. When Angela is harassed by a menacing shadow figure, Mary moves to bless and protect her and her unborn child with illegal Cree ceremonies and medicine. As the truth about her ancestry and the spectral figure’s identity unfold, Angela must decide whether to delve into her newfound spiritual traditions in order to protect herself from her husband’s escalating purity-obsessed racism. Angela’s Shadow is the second film in a trilogy that follows three sets of Cree characters all connected to each other in some way, across three different time periods, who use their connections to their Cree spiritual traditions to combat, and heal from settler colonialism.
Koostachin is a multi-faceted artist, writer/director, actor and academic who was named alongside her son Asivak and the film’s composer Justin Delorme as one of Variety’s 10 Canadians to watch in 2023. Her credits include her award-winning documentary WaaPaKe (Tomorrow), which took home Best BC Film at VIFF last year, she is the voice of Layla on PBS Kids/CBC Kids animated series Molly of Denali and she is the writer/director of numerous films in both the documentary and narrative space. Koostachin is dedicated to creating opportunities for Indigenous peoples, marginalized women and gender diverse folks who are interested in a career in film and television.
Angela’s Shadow is written, directed and produced by Jules Arita Koostachin (Broken Angel), co-written by Steve Neufeld (Coded), executive produced by Patti Poskitt (Monkey Beach), edited by Lara Mazur (Allegiance), composed by Justin Delorme (Deaner ‘89), costume designer is Yolonda Skelton and cinematography by Michael Bourquin (British Columbia: An Untold History). The film will debut to audiences for the first time in Vancouver at VIFF on October 2nd and October 5, 2024 and will continue on its film festival run with dates already set across North America. Theatrical plans will be announced for 2025.
Angela’s Shadow was made possible with the support of Telefilm Canada, the Indigenous Screen Office, Hollywood Suite, William F White, the Province of British Columbia Production Services Tax Credit, Creative BC, The Canadian Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit, the Government of Canada, UBCP ACTRA LOCAL, and the DGC BC.
MORE INFORMATION:
Media Images / Trailer / VIFF Tickets
Jules Arita Koostachin is represented by The Characters for acting and by Lucas Talent for writing and directing. Kyle Rideout and Josh Epstein’s reps are Echo Lake Entertainment and Jennifer Hollyer Agency.
About Visjuelles Productions:
VisJuelles Productions Inc. (VPI) is dedicated to creating opportunities for Indigenous peoples, marginalized women and gender diverse folks who are interested in a career in film and television; Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin is passionate about achieving equity through her work. Over the last several years, she has promoted the work of talented individuals within this amazing worldwide Indigenous community by engaging emerging artists and also by creating opportunities. Since moving to British Columbia, she is actively creating new content, engaging with Indigenous community, and working to build meaningful relationships in the Vancouver area.
VisJuelles Productions Inc. was registered in 2007 as a sole proprietorship and later incorporated in 2010. VPI takes pride in offering awareness of the diversity of Indigenous culture. Owner Jules Arita Koostachin respectfully and professionally delivers quality media programming and productions.
About Motion 58:
Motion 58 is a boutique Canadian film production and distribution company specializing in daring, outside-the-box cinema that provokes and challenges audiences. As Telefilm’s only official West Coast distributor, Motion 58 focuses on delivering bold, groundbreaking films that defy conventions while connecting with each film’s distinct audience.
About Second Son Productions:
SSPI is a BC company, solely owned by Patti Poskitt. From its incorporation in 1999 – the goal has always been to service independent producers in all genres of media and to maintain a boutique presence to give personal attention for the facilitation of projects from the inception to final delivery. Patti Poskitt and business partner, Production Accountant Darlene Lofgren, in addition to the variety of projects we service – are especially proud of our extensive work within the Indigenous film community. We are honoured to be learning first hand many traditional ways as we witness meaningful and exceptional Indigenous storytelling. Our continued relationships within the community greatly enriches our working lives.
