Thirza Cuthand is an award-winning filmmaker who has wrestled with questions of identity and belonging for most of her life. In her lastest short film, Cutland takes audiences on a personal journey as she details the struggles of being a light-skinned Cree woman in Canada.

Born with a fairer complexion than those in her family, Cuthand was often mistaken for being white. As a result, people often freely shared their hurtful prejudices towards indigenous people not realizing Cree woman was actually among them. This was not restricted to the white Canadians mind you. She also experienced colourism within her own community as well.

Using elements of experimental cinema, such as wearing a blood soaked towel when narrating a part of her life, Cuthand crafts a compelling exploration into what it is like to be stuck between two cultures. Offering a fascinating look at identity, historical racism, and community, Thirza Cuthand is an Indian Within the Meaning of the Indian Act provides plenty of food for thought.

Screens (as part of the Receptors Shorts Programme):
Friday, October 20, 3:45 PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox

Ticket information can be found at the imagineNATIVE website.