In təm kʷaθ nan – Namesake, co-directors Evan Adams and Eileen Francis explore the cultural significance of naming by chronicling the Tla’amin Nation’s efforts to have the name of Powell River, British Columbia, changed. We posed our Qs à la mode to Evan and Eileen, and here’s what they shared!
If I had to describe our film using only three adjectives, they would be:
Evan Adams: Cerebral, Canadian, pluralistic.
Eileen Francis: Layered, meaningful, rooted.
I wanted to make this film because:
EA: I knew other towns and cities — and everyday Canadians — were puzzled and challenged by Reconciliation.
EF: I knew this conversation could help others, and because I wanted to show how I see my community, especially in contrast to what we were never taught in schools.
The thing that surprised me most while making our film was:
EA: Discovering how many people are effective, compassionate allies!
EF: Seeing how many allies showed up when things were at their hardest. In the middle of tension, that support really stood out to me and meant a lot.
My favorite moment/scene/sequence in our film is:
EA: All the drone shots, and the love put into the scenes of our paradisiacal territory!
EF: It’s hard to pick one favourite scene, because for me the film is really about the warmth and love within the community. I hope that comes through, and that others are able to see the community the way I see it.
My most invaluable piece of doc-making equipment was/is:
EF: A pen and journal. It let me capture questions, connect ideas, and build the story as it unfolded.
My must-have snack to get me through hours in the editing room is:
EF: Tea and cookies for reflections. But chips for the long hours of editing, and candied salmon as a treat when nearing the end of an editing sesh.
One piece of documentary-filmmaking advice I’d like to share with aspiring documentarians is:
EA: Find the best team possible!
EF: Build a strong team and find a mentor. This is my first feature documentary, and having people around me who could sit together without hierarchy, listen to each other, and really hear each other out made all the difference.
Want to check out Evan and Eileen’s film, or just learn more about it?
Get the scoop, and your tickets, here!
