This River: Documenting the Search for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
This River is a poignant 2016 Canadian short documentary that sheds light on a critical social crisis. Directed by Katherena Vermette and Erika MacPherson, the film provides an intimate look at the efforts to find closure and justice for families affected by the disappearance of Indigenous women.
The narrative centers on Drag the Red, a dedicated volunteer group based in Manitoba. These volunteers brave the waters of the Red River, conducting searches for the bodies of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, ensuring that those who have vanished are not forgotten.
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Key Facts
- Directors: Katherena Vermette and Erika MacPherson.
- Subject: The volunteer group Drag the Red searching the Red River in Manitoba.
- Production: Produced by the National Film Board of Canada.
- Runtime: 18 minutes.
- Major Award: Winner of the Canadian Screen Award for Best Short Documentary Film (2017).
Production and Creative Process
The inspiration for the project was partly driven by producer Alicia Smith, who noted that Vermette's previous work, North End Love Songs, highlighted the perspectives of Indigenous youth from the North End and the trauma of having missing family members.
Filming the Red River
Principal photography was conducted over a brief, intensive period from August 8 to 16, 2016. To capture the authenticity of the search, the production employed an all-woman crew. The team spent the majority of their time filming from a small fleet of donated boats to document the work of volunteer Kyle Kematch.
The technical execution was led by director of photography Iris Ng, with sound recording handled by Anita Lubosh, ensuring the atmospheric tension and emotional weight of the river search were preserved.
Recognition and Impact
Upon its completion, This River received significant critical acclaim within the film community and among Indigenous advocates. It premiered publicly on October 5 at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the hometown of director Katherena Vermette.
The film's impact was recognized through several prestigious honors, including the Coup de coeur du jury award at Montreal's Terres en vues/Land InSights First Peoples' Festival. Its success culminated at the 5th Canadian Screen Awards in 2017, where it won the award for Best Short Documentary Film.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2016 |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
| Production Company | National Film Board |
| Running Time | 18 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the film This River?
The film focuses on Drag the Red, a volunteer group in Manitoba that searches the Red River for the bodies of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Who directed This River?
The documentary was co-directed by Katherena Vermette and Erika MacPherson.
Which awards did the film win?
It won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Short Documentary Film in 2017 and the Coup de coeur du jury award at the Terres en vues/Land InSights First Peoples' Festival.
How was the film shot?
The film was shot by an all-woman crew between August 8 and 16, 2016, primarily using a fleet of donated boats on the Red River.
Where did the film have its public premiere?
The film premiered on October 5 at the Winnipeg Art Gallery in Winnipeg, Canada.