A new documentary highlights the unbreakable spirit of Haida Gwaii, on the basketball court and on the land.
Saints and Warriors is a documentary that focuses on the Skidegate Saints basketball team at the 2024 All Native Basketball Tournament (ANBT). The Saints won the 2023 tournament and were looking to defend their title.
The ANBT is an annual event hosted in Prince Rupert and brings First Nations communities from across B.C. and Alaska together for the largest basketball tournament in the province. The ANBT has become a weeklong celebration of Indigenous history and culture.
Saints and Warriors has won several awards, including Leo Awards for best direction, best editor and best cinematography, the Calgary International Film Festival’s Best Canadian Documentary, and the Best Canadian Director and the DOXA Film Festival.
Saints and Warriors tells an amazing story, said director Patrick Shannon.
“This is my first feature and its about my home community. it tells a greater story beyond just basketball which is a great part of the story. It tells the greater story of the people on Haida Gwaii our history and the future that we’re trying to build together.”
Saints and Warriors will be screened at the Tillicum Twin Theatres in Terrace this weekend.
