Aboriginal - Girls Action Foundation

Film: “Caught Between Worlds”
Directed by: Tanis Desjarlais
My film is called “Caught Between Worlds”. I chose this title because I feel caught
between a life of drugs and alcohol and living sober, following the red road. In the
film I am trying to find a balance between living in an urban setting and following my
Cree traditions. I feel people will relate to this film because a lot of Indigenous people
feel disconnected from their land and traditions.
In the beginning of the film there are shots of myself, lying in bed, tossing and turning
with shots of drugs and alcohol in between the scenes. This shows that when I do these
substances I am in a sleeping state, unaware of the knowledge and tradition that is still
alive, even in modern society.
The next scenes show myself awakening from this state, looking outside and realizing
that the knowledge of traditions, language and art is out there and very much alive. It’s
just a matter of getting up and going after it.
The final scenes are about gaining knowledge. I am reading a book about the
colonization of Indigenous lands. This is to show that I am learning my past to change my
future. There are also scenes of art, books and sweetgrass that show I am on a quest to
knowledge and spiritual fulfillment but am still unsure whether or not I am ready to let
go of drugs and alcohol.
I believe my work as a visual artist showcases my leadership because I am sharing my very
personal experiences with my family, friends and my community. Visual art, media art,
being honest and real, in my opinion can and will heal the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
Tanis Desjarlais
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