The Cinematheque

Free Admission

During his distinguished career with CBC Vancouver, North Vancouver-raised Philip Keatley created the groundbreaking Cariboo Country, the network’s first dramatic series filmed on location—it was set amongst the ranchers and First Nations people of B.C.’s Chilcotin region. He also helped develop and produce The Beachcombers, the longest-running dramatic series in English Canadian TV history. The Cariboo Country dramas, written by Paul St. Pierre, were pioneering for another reason: all First Nations characters were played by First Nations actors, including future Oscar-nominee Chief Dan George, a series regular as ​“Ol’ Antoine.” The two films in this program, both hour-long Cariboo Country specials, treat issues of racism, justice, friendship, and family. Both won Canadian Film Awards for TV Entertainment.

“These sophisticated early television films from CBUT (CBC’s Vancouver station) are pioneering works of producer-director Philip Keatley. The portrayal of the personages in these films reveal tremendous power and dignity, and they stay with you as unforgettable characters. A rare achievement, in any context.”
Harry Killas

The Education of Phyllistine
Canada 1963
60 min. 16mm

How to Break a Quarter Horse
Canada 1966
60 min. 16mm

Prints courtesy of Library and Archives Canada

Introduction by Colin Browne

Guests: Sun Dance Chief Rueben George, Julia Keatley

Sun Dance Chief Rueben George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation is an Indigenous community organizer and spiritual leader. He is a Sun Dance Chief and the grandson of Chief Dan George, the Oscar-nominated and universally respected First Nations spiritual leader.

Julia Keatley is a creator and executive producer on a number of dramatic television series and films, as well as documentary films. She has a long connection with the film and television industry in B.C. and Canada.

Please note: Unclaimed tickets for complimentary screenings at The Cinematheque will be released 15 minutes before showtime. Please arrive early to guarantee your seat.