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Crazywater

This feature-length documentary from Inuvialuit filmmaker Dennis Allen is an emotional and revealing exploration of addiction among Indigenous people in Canada. After years of struggle and shame, 5 Indigenous Canadians bravely come forward with their stories of substance abuse, presenting the sensitive topic of alcoholism in an honest and forthright manner. Alex, Paula, Desirae, Stephen, and Dennis himself maintain a deep and devoted commitment to their traditional culture to achieve long-term sobriety. Through their voices, this insightful doc offers an inspirational beacon of hope for others.
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This feature-length documentary from Inuvialuit filmmaker Dennis Allen is an emotional and revealing exploration of addiction among Indigenous people in Canada.

After years of struggle and shame, 5 Indigenous Canadians bravely come forward with their stories of substance abuse, presenting the sensitive topic of alcoholism in an honest and forthright manner. Alex, Paula, Desirae, Stephen, and Dennis himself maintain a deep and devoted commitment to their traditional culture to achieve long-term sobriety. Through their voices, this insightful doc offers an inspirational beacon of hope for others.

 This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Health and Medicine Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Métis) Social Issues Psychology and Psychiatry All subjects
Indigenous Cinema
  • writer
    Dennis Allen
  • director
    Dennis Allen
  • producer
    Selwyn Jacob
  • associate producer
    Teri Snelgrove
  • editor
    Carmen Pollard
  • director of photography
    Kirk Tougas
  • sound design
    Gael MacLean
  • sound supervision
    Gael MacLean
  • sound recordist
    Chris Rodgers
    Jeff Carter
    Jeff Henschel
    Mike Filippov
  • additional photography
    Allan Code
    Mike Mckinlay
    Kyle Pigeau
  • digital imaging technician
    Jonathan Staav
  • motion designer
    Vern Giammartino
  • production manager
    Catrina Longmuir
  • transcription
    Trace Sitter
  • archival research
    Found Images Research
  • music clearances
    Found Images Research
  • dialogue editor
    Doug Paterson
  • re-recording mixer
    Doug Paterson
  • foley editor
    Jeremy Butler
  • assistant sound editor
    Jeremy Butler
  • music editor
    Gael MacLean
  • post-production services
    Finale Editworks
  • colourist
    Lorne Wright
  • production coordinator
    Karen Downing
  • technical coordinator
    Wes Machnikowski
  • production supervisor
    Kathryn Lynch
  • marketing manager
    Leslie Stafford
  • program administrator
    Jennifer Roworth
  • centre operations manager
    Janine Steele
  • executive producer
    Tracey Friesen
    Michelle van Beusekom

Education

Ages 14 to 18

Notes

Crazywater is a film about overcoming alcohol and substance abuse, told in an authentic voice through the lived experiences of Aboriginal survivors. These stories are personal, compelling and sometimes disturbing, but they provide a profound and honest exploration of the causes of addictions among Aboriginal people. What is the central message of the film? What are some of the causes of alcohol and drug abuse, according to filmmaker Dennis Allen? What are the survivors in the film doing to heal and recover from their addictions? Have students investigate other healing initiatives that are being undertaken by Aboriginal people and communities.

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Crazywater
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