The Cinematheque

“A film that announces a new directorial talent with a particular skill for ensemble work … Weighty and absorbing.”

Alex Heeney, Seventh Row

The Annual Women’s Memorial March on February 14 honours the missing and murdered women of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. In tribute, we present Broken Angel, the powerful debut feature of InNiNeWak filmmaker Jules Arita Koostachin (Attawapiskat First Nation), inspired by her time as the director and acting CEO of an emergency shelter for Indigenous women in Toronto. The film follows Angel, portrayed by Sera-Lys McArthur (Nakota Nation), who endures spiritual, physical, and emotional abuse from her partner. Determined to protect her daughter Tanis (Brooklyn Letexier-Hart, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation), Angel flees with her to an Indigenous-run halfway house for abused women. There they find support, connection, culture, and hope for a new beginning. Addressing themes of domestic violence, resilience, survival, and kinship, Broken Angel powerfully reflects a reality shared by many Indigenous women today.

In English and Cree with English subtitles

Best Feature, Best Actress (McArthur)
American Indian Film Festival 2022

Half of ticket proceeds from this screening will benefit the Women’s Memorial March, care of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre.