Director Trevor Solway examines the concept of masculinity through they eyes, and experiences, of different generations within his Siksika First Nations community in Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man. We posed our Qs à la mode to Trevor, and here’s what he shared!
If I had to describe my film using only three adjectives, they would be: Mighty, contemplative, sensitive.
I wanted to make this film because: I wanted to observe how masculinity was expressed for the men in Blackfoot Country. Doing this gave me a chance to explore what masculinity means for me as a contemporary Blackfoot man. I wanted our Blackfoot men to have a chance to have their voices heard in the mainstream discussion of masculinity. I often found these conversations that took place in urbanized centers to be short-sighted. I always viewed the men in my community with more nuance and compassion. I hope this came across in the filming of this documentary.
The thing that surprised me most while making my film was: I filmed this documentary in a cinéma verité format. I had to deconstruct how I was taught to make films and consume films. I had to let go of what I perceived as an aesthetically pleasing shooting style for a more honest, authentic and genuine approach. I was surprised at how much I had to unlearn about documentary filmmaking.
My favorite moment/scene/sequence in my film is: The “frog scene.” It was an innocent moment with my younger cousins that reminded me of how important “play” was to our development into adults and how “play” can be the basis for all creativity. There’s a magic and a spark that exists with all kids, and it’s refreshing to film young people who don’t censor themselves or mask their true emotions.
My most invaluable piece of doc-making equipment was/is: A good, solid, versatile camera strap. It’s essential for hand-held, verité filming.
My must-have snack to get me through hours in the editing room is: Hard Cheetos provided by my editor at the National Film Board, Hans Olson.
One piece of documentary-filmmaking advice I’d like to share with aspiring documentarians is: Take the time to fully feel and understand the moment, the person or the environment you are about to film. Always make creative decisions with your heart instead of your head.
Want to check out Trevor’s film, or just learn more about it?
Get the scoop, and your tickets, here!
