In the Land of the Head Hunters Film Screening and Panel

A screening and panel discussion on In the Land of the Head Hunters, the first feature film made in B.C. and the oldest surviving feature made in Canada. It is also the first feature made with an entirely indigenous North American cast. A portrait of the Kwakwaka’wakw (formerly Kwakiutl) people of northern Vancouver Island and the central coast, it was directed by Edward S. Curtis, the renowned American photographer of First Nations life. The film mixes documentary and dramatic elements, recording authentic traditions and rituals, including the potlatch ceremony, but also offering an epic tale of love, war, and adventure set in pre-European times. It premiered in New York and Seattle on December 7, 1914. This beautiful restoration features John J. Branham’s original 1914 score performed by Vancouver’s Turning Point Ensemble. Panel discussion followed the screening. Moderated by Colin Browne, professor emeritus of the School for the Contemporary Arts at SFU in film. Browne was involved in the restoration of Edward Curtis’ feature film In the Land of the Head Hunters.

Panel discussion followed the screening. Moderated by Colin Browne, professor emeritus of the School for the Contemporary Arts at SFU in film. Browne was involved in the restoration of Edward Curtis’ feature film In the Land of the Head Hunters.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

Bill Cranmer, Andy Everson and owen Underhill

Bill Cranmer is a Hereditary Chief of the N’amgis First Nation.

Andy Everson is a contemporary First Nations artist from the K’omoks First Nation on Vancouver Island. Holding a master’s degree in anthropology, Andy is the grandson of one of the film’s stars—Margaret Frank—who played the role of Princess Naida.

Owen Underhill lives in Vancouver where he is a composer, conductor, artistic director and faculty member in the School for the Contemporary Arts at SFU and is the artistic director of Turning Point Ensemble.