Now in its third edition within the Focus Competition, Indigenous Perspectives continues to shine a light on essential voices and viewpoints that enrich and challenge our cinematic landscape. For the past three years, this section has celebrated Indigenous storytelling in all its strength and diversity. Proudly curated by Rosalie Guay (Anishinaabe) and Vincent Careau (Wendat), the selection stands out for its gently rebellious spirit. Carried by a breeze of resistance, it is equally infused with tenderness, solidarity, and cultural affirmation. Balancing pride and cultural reconnection, Oushata’ takes us along the pow-wow trail and into vibrant gatherings of transmission and celebration. In Mawtini, resilience lies at the heart of a growing friendship between two women from different generations, shaped by shared experiences and renewal. The tone sharpens in On Postindian Survivance, a musical and experimental work that confronts colonial policies and Indigenous representation head-on. In In My Hand, we meet Niillas Somby, a Sámi activist who made significant personal sacrifices in defence of his people. Through deft stop-motion animation, Mangittatuarjuk immerses us in an Inuit legend where intelligence and mutual support become tools for survival. Finally, a first date takes an unexpected turn in The Great Cherokee Grandmother, when questions of ancestry and identity come to the surface. Bringing together films from around the world, this program is united by a shared purpose: to tell stories, to resist, and to reclaim sovereignty over narratives.

* Screened as part of a double feature with the 100% Regions program