Monkey Ink Media Inc. is excited to announce that the short film Shi-shi-etko has been invited to screen as part of the 2009 Vancouver International Film Festival as part of the Canadian Images program on Tuesday, October 13 (9:15pm PST) and Wednesday October 14 (4:00pm PST) at Pacific Cinémathèque.

Shi-shi-etko follows a six year old Native girl in her last four days before she is taken to residential school. Each day she spends with a family member, each of whom remind her of the importance of remembering who she is.

Shi-shi-etko was filmed in traditional Sto:lo territory, in the Sto:lo language of Halq’emeylem (English Subtitles). The Producer and Director, along with the primarily Sto:lo cast, had the daunting task of bringing to life the authenticity of the Sto:lo culture and language by working with language instructors and the community.

With the support of the Sto:lo Nation, the film will now be a part of language kits and used as a teaching aid in elementary schools to increase knowledge about the Residential School tragedy of Canada.

Shi-shi-etko received three LEO Award nominations including Best Cinematography, Best Musical Score and Best Performance by a Female in a Short Drama for Ta’kaiya Blaney.

Monkey Ink Media presents a Kate Kroll film, starring Ta’Kaiya Blaney, Lee Provost, Inez Jasper, Rita Pete; written By Marilyn Thomas & Kate Kroll; based on the children’s book Shi-shi-etko written by Nicola Campbell.

Shi-shi-etko was produced in association with Bravo!FACT , the BC Arts Council and Kickstart – a Program funded by the Director’s Guild of Canada, BC District Council and British Columbia Film.

For media inquiries, please contact
Marilyn Thomas
Monkey Ink Media
Tel: 604-677-5091
marikt@gmail.com