The Grizzlies

A small community in Nunavut struggles with alcoholism, drug addiction, and suicide, as traditional ways backed up by authentic millennia merge with the legacy of the residential school system.

Strong hunters still persevere, establishing direct links with their ancient descendants.

And some students see the benefits of rigorous study, even if practical applications don't readily present themselves.

It truly is another world, a diverse alternative spirituality.

Inaccessible by road.

Blanketed by the midnight sun.

A somewhat naive teacher lands in this far off realm, unaware of local realities yet determined to make a difference.

He's clueless as the film begins but isn't hardhearted or dismissive.

He listens to local concerns and adjusts his teaching style accordingly.

Well-versed in lacrosse lore, he decides to start up a local team, his dedication and tenacity inspiring local youth, who are hesitant to join yet still curious.

Sports can help combat substance abuse in any community inasmuch as they encourage constructive goals.

If the choice is between loosing oneself in booze and drugs or joining a team that builds character through discipline, I'll take the latter every time.

It's not that simple in The Grizzlies because the community isn't affluent and economic hardships present conflicting responsibilities.

Some kids can't play on a team because they're needed at home, and since the lacrosse team is something new, some families and teachers have troubling believing in its positive effects.

During a town meeting where the team tries to obtain funds to attend a tournament down South, many citizens voice reasonable concerns in opposition, and it's a situation where no one's really right or wrong, but some options take precedence over others.

It's tough to see the benefits of alternative ideas at times and easy to dismiss them. They may seem like they conflict with time honoured traditions at first because they still haven't found a way to culturally co-exist amongst them, and putting food on the table's top priority without a doubt, and sometimes playing games can seem just a little bit silly.

Sports can be a bit ra-ra at times but they promote teamwork, healthy living, interdependence, and communal strength.

They make a huge difference for the lives of the kids in The Grizzlies, and open up doors many residents thought had been shut, permanently.

The North needs dedicated teachers like Russ Shephard (Ben Schnetzer) who are humble enough to adapt to local customs which can teach them to become community leaders.

The North has so much to offer and living there's an experience like none other.

If students have trouble seeing the benefits of education in remote Northern communities, perhaps focusing on astronomy could make a difference.

The night sky is as practical in the North as a transit system is in a city.

I don't see why astronomy can't be used to synthesize the study of math, art, sport and science.

There are endless applications.

Relevant in any age.

The Dark Horse

A gentle soul plagued by mental illness finds himself caught between brother and nephew in James Napier Robertson's The Dark Horse.

Solemnity.

Mana's (James Rolleston) father (Wayne Hapi as Ariki) survived by joining a violent gang.

It's the life he knows and he wants his son to become a member so that he can feel safe as he dies believing he'll be taken care of.

His son loathes the senseless brutal thuggery however and doesn't want to live a life of crime.

His uncle Genesis (Cliff Curtis) is a brilliant chess player who also possesses an exhaustive understanding of his culture's mythology but may have never held a job and can hardly take care of himself.

Nevertheless, as he finds purpose helping to manage an after school club for disadvantaged youth, telling them stories and teaching them chess in preparation for a tournament, his nephew gravitates towards his civility as his father's partners become increasingly aggressive.

Ariki has told his brother to stay away from his son, and their ensuing dialectic, brashly shy and modestly brave, disputatiously contends for Mana's future, both of them eventually accepting that they need to acknowledge his own individualistic dreams.

The Dark Horse beautifully elevates the constructive art of teaching while harshly contrasting it with stark economic bellows, Olympian highs and devastating punishments masterfully articulated with naive bracing culpability.

Life without opportunity can be eviscerating so I don't stubbornly fault people for making desperate decisions, although I do commend those who struggle in different ways, creating something durable and friendly in a culture of bitter cynicism.

You feel bad for all the participants involved accept Mutt (Barry Te Hira) who's clearly evil.

Building a community from nothing, nurturing hope and togetherness through board games and puzzles as opposed to drugs and alcohol; something to think about.

Genesis is a character who sticks with you, clearly ill-equipped to deal with the quotidian yet exceptionally gifted at enlivening the imaginary.

An artist you know.

Perhaps the best kind.