Gene Boy Came Home

Gene Boy Came Home

| 24 min
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This short documentary by celebrated filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin is a portrait of Eugene "Gene Boy" (pronounced Genie Boy) Benedict, from Odanak Indian Reserve (near Montreal, Quebec). At 17, he enlisted in the US Marines and was sent to the frontlines of the Vietnam War. This film is the account of his 2 years of service and his long journey back to Odanak afterwards.

This film contains scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.

Meet Eugene "Gene Boy" Benedict, a boy from Odanak Indian Reserve who enlisted in the US Marines at 17 and spent 2 years on the frontlines of the Vietnam War before beginning his arduous journey home.

Alanis Obomsawin
From the playlist: Tribute to Alanis Obomsawin

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Gene Boy Came Home, Alanis Obomsawin, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

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Credits
  • director
    Alanis Obomsawin
  • editor
    Alison Burns
  • camera
    Philippe Amiguet
  • camera assistant
    Denis Fortier
    Sébastien Cassou
  • location sound
    Raymond Marcoux
  • original music
    Francis Grandmont
  • musician
    Francis Grandmont
    Normand Guilbeault
    Jean-Denis Levasseur
    Pierre Lavoie
  • digital imaging
    Louise Overy
  • drawings
    Georgette Obomsawin
  • technical support - editing
    Danielle Raymond
  • online editing
    Denis Pilon
  • titles
    Philippe Raymond
  • sound editing
    Don Ayer
  • re-recording
    Jean Paul Vialard
  • music recording
    Geoffrey Mitchell
    Sylvain Cajelais
  • sound operation centre
    Daniel Trépanier
    Sylvain Cajelais
    Hilary Thomson
  • administration
    Marie Tonto-Donati
    Nickie Merulla
  • production administration assistant
    Christine Williams
  • post-production coordinator
    Linda Payette
  • marketing manager
    Moira Keigher
  • researcher
    Alanis Obomsawin
    Katherine Kasirer
  • producer
    Alanis Obomsawin
  • executive producer
    Ravida Din
 See also
Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Métis)
War, Conflict and Peace
All subjects
Featured Films
Remembrance Day
Transmission of Indigenous Knowledge
All channels
Add a new comment
  • Stephen F.

    Thank you Alanis for bringing Eugene's story to my attention . It was heartbreaking and heartwarming... It was sweet to listen in as he chatted with the grandson of the woman Eugene walked to school with as a young person. It was so nice to see the pleasure they both enjoyed as you filmed them talking together. By the end of the film, I just wanted to give Eugene a hug. So, it hit me hard to read Eugene had died shortly after the film was shot. So sad to hear of all the challenges he endured during his life. So much to be taken from this film.

    Stephen F., 15 Oct 2019
  • NativeFilmFan

    What a sad story!! :'''(( I cried throughout the whole thing!!

    NativeFilmFan, 14 Jan 2013
  • SusanD

    An intelligent, beautiful film. A gift. Thank you Alanis. I wish i could say "Thank you" to Gene Boy. Peace. Sue

    SusanD, 24 Feb 2011
  • nadianichols

    Thank you, Gene Boy, for helping me to understand my father's hell. I hope that wherever you are, you are home, and have found peace.

    nadianichols, 23 Feb 2011

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