B.C. POV

BEFORE THEY FALL

Directed by: Cam William MacArthur | 40 min | 2021| Canada

Before They Fall is a beautiful documentary about the decades-long battle by conservation groups, First Nations, and scientists to protect the remaining old-growth forests in British Columbia. The tensions escalate when land defenders block a logging company from accessing the last unprotected ancient watershed on southern Vancouver Island.

PRECIOUS LEADER WOMAN

Directed by: Cassie De Colling | 46 min | 2021| Canada

Spencer O'Brien is a world-renowned snowboarder hailing from the remote village of Alert Bay, B.C. In 2014, she was expected to win gold at the Sochi Olympics, but when she placed 12th, fans were shocked. Few people knew Spencer had rheumatoid arthritis and was hiding a debilitating pain that impacted her competitive ability.

After the defeat, she retreated to her hometown in the traditional territory of Kwakwaka'wakw to recover. There, with the guidance of her family and close-knit community, she reconnected with her Indigenous culture, helping her regain the strength to re-enter the sport and defy all odds.

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