The Pass SystemCanadian documentaryFirst NationsCanadian government policyAlex Williams

The Pass System Documentary: Examining Canadian First Nations Segregation

The Pass System Documentary: Examining Canadian First Nations Segregation History is often recorded by those in power, but documentary filmmaking provides a vital lens to uncover suppress...

The Pass System Documentary: Examining Canadian First Nations Segregation

History is often recorded by those in power, but documentary filmmaking provides a vital lens to uncover suppressed truths. The Pass System, a 2015 Canadian documentary, delves into a dark chapter of national history: the government policy known as the pass system. This policy was designed to enforce the segregation of First Nations people, restricting their movement and confining them to their reserves.

Key Facts

  • Subject: The Canadian government's pass system used to segregate First Nations people.
  • Release Year: 2015.
  • Director/Producer: Alex Williams.
  • Narrator: Tantoo Cardinal.
  • Premiere: 2015 Vancouver International Film Festival.

Production and Creative Team

The film was the result of extensive research, directed and produced by Alex Williams. To bring the narrative to life, the production featured the voice of Tantoo Cardinal, who provided the narration. The creative team also included James Cullingham as the executive producer and Cris Derksen, who composed the original music for the documentary.

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Funding and Partnerships

The production of the film was made possible through the support of several key organizations and the community. It was produced in association with Tamarack Productions and received generous funding from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Toronto Arts Council.

Release and Broadcast History

The documentary made its public debut in Vancouver, British Columbia, where it premiered as part of the 2015 Vancouver International Film Festival. Following its festival run, the film reached a wider audience through national broadcasting.

It first aired on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) on April 13, 2016. Shortly after, it was broadcast on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) main network on June 19, 2016, at 1 p.m.

Summary of The Pass System Documentary Details
Category Details
Director & Producer Alex Williams
Narrator Tantoo Cardinal
Executive Producer James Cullingham
Composer Cris Derksen
Primary Subject First Nations reserve segregation policy
Broadcast Networks APTN and CBC

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of The Pass System documentary?

The film focuses on the former Canadian government policy called the pass system, which was used to enforce the segregation of First Nations people on their reserves.

Who directed and produced the film?

The documentary was extensively researched, directed, and produced by Alex Williams.

When and where did the film premiere?

The film premiered in Vancouver, British Columbia, during the 2015 Vancouver International Film Festival.

Which networks broadcast the documentary in 2016?

The film aired on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network on April 13, 2016, and on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's main network on June 19, 2016.

Who provided the narration for the documentary?

The narration for the film was provided by Tantoo Cardinal.