"...a trans Anishinaabe man meets a vivacious young woman who pushes him to reconnect with Indigenous culture. The strength of Mino Bimaadiziwin lies in its simplicity: it’s a story of two people connecting in the process of reconnecting. The woman, Bangishimogikwe, represents a path forward, but Jim’s marginalization makes this a difficult choice—and he’s not entirely sure about her motives. This is a story about identity, beyond one’s physical appearance or gender, and the aspects of one’s self that are formed in one’s earliest years and experiences that some reject or lose touch with. Native traditions instill beauty and history, focussing on learning through community—it’s about people, not ideas, rooted in language. This is a lyrical and wonderfully honest film that takes small moments and imparts them with surprising resonance." Vancouver International Film Festival review
Written and Directed by Shane McSauby
Produced by Carese Bartlett
Starring Cleo Keahna and Grace Dove
Vancouver International Film Festival - Official Selection
Traverse City Film Festival - Special Mention Award
ImagineNative Film Festival - Official Selection
LA Skins Fest - Nominated for Best Short Film
Santa Fe Film Festival -Official Selection
Māoriland Film Festival - Official Selection
Grand Rapids Film Festival - Official Selection
The Eclipse Awards -Nominated Best Director of a Short Film
The Eclipse Awards - Nominated Best Short Film
Indigenous Film Festival - Official Selection
Grand Rapids Feminist Festival - Official Selection
HollyShorts Film Festival - Official Selection
Soo Film Festival - Official Selection
Red Nation International Film Festival - Nominated Best Short
American Indian Film Festival - Official Selection
Blow Up International Arthouse Film Festival - Official Selection
Indigenous International Film Festival - Official Selection
Tide International Film Festival - Official Selection
Pueblo