Ancestral Threads @Hot Docs 2023

People have no idea what it takes to put a fashion show together. It’s extremely hard work and above all a commitment like no other. It takes many hours to produce for usually an hour length show. Models have to build up their self-confidence before going down the runway. As well as the fashion managers, show callers, choreographers, and the hair and make-up crew up have to be on top of their game when the spotlights turn on. Everyone has to work in unison for a show to be successful. If people do not work together then a well-oiled machine can turnover and die. Which is why everyone must give their 100%. Nothing is more rewarding than putting an awesome fashion show together where everyone is having fun and gets to strut their stuff.

The fashion show platform has taken a bit of a hit in recent years due to major issues and controversies. Billion-dollar brands exploit the beautiful younger women and men on the planet. Many of them end up with substance abuse issues that also fuel their eating disorders. This does not appease their mental health on top of everything which becomes a vicious cycle.

Not to mention the carbon footprint these top-tier brands have upon the planet forcing them to come up with sustainable methods. Not many of those methods have proven to be “better” for the environment but it does take time to see better results. There is a hefty price to pay when your brand is making billions in revenue a year. The only one who is paying the price ultimately is this planet.

Toronto’s Own Sean Stiller

Toronto’s own Sean Stiller directs Ancestral Threads which shows a different realm of the fashion show platform. The short film that will be premiering at this year’s Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival focuses on the work of Joleen Mitton. A long-time friend of the director, Joleen Mitton is a true visionary by creating the Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. A one-time model herself, this is an organic and genuine platform that celebrates the indigenous culture for its creativity, beauty and history. It is truly groundbreaking but all of this is considered medicine to the Indigenous community.

Joleen Mitton has created a safe and trusted space for her community to flourish. Everyone who is involved with the Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week has a significant role to play. So nobody is more important than the other. Furthermore, you witness the young working with the old as there is so much to share especially when it comes to experiences.

The Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week is more than a passion project for Joleen Mitton. It’s her spirit work. A fashion show is one thing but an Indigenous Fashion show is another. The film will show you the true beauty of the indigenous culture north of the border.

Watching Ancestral Threads put together by filmmaker Sean Stiller will just have you in awe. A member of the William’s Lake First Nation (T’exelc), part of the Secwépemc Nation, nobody is more excited than Sean Stiller to present this film. It’s the short film to look out for during Hot Docs because every minute has an impact.

FERNTV spoke to Sean Stiller about his new short film Ancestral Threads. Click below to watch the whole video