Directed by Indigenous filmmaker Banchi Hanuse (Nuxalk Radio, Cry Rock), Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before The Sun follows a young Siksika woman, Logan Red Crow, and her journey into the harrowing world of bareback horse riding. As she pushes towards her goal, the connections between animal and human, family and community, ancestral tradition and contemporary life are profound and lasting. 

The film had its world premiere at the Big Sky Documentary Festival in Montana, where it took home the prestigious Best Film Award. 

Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before The Sun is one of the much-anticipated titles to screen at Hot Docs, with the Canadian premiere happening Saturday, April 29. We connected with Hanuse to learn the story behind her stunning, touching, and exhilarating documentary. 

How would you describe your approach to documentary film? 

I want to bring audiences into a world as unobtrusively as possible.

Why were you compelled to make this doc? 

This project started as a documentary TV series about female horse racers spearheaded by British Producer Izzy Pullen. When it came to me, one girl’s story really stood out as a captivating journey.

There’s this super fearless Siksika girl who is training and determined to do these incredibly difficult and dangerous horse races and she lives on her family’s ranch on Blackfoot Territory by a river with a huge herd of beautiful horses. I wanted to see it and be her bestie and I knew many others would feel the same way.

Logan Red Crow is an incredibly strong and determined real-life character who is obsessed with racing in the Indian Relay even though, at the time, there were no races for women in Canada. We go with her as she takes part in these perilous horse races called the Indian Relay. Even though Indian Relay is such a specialized sport, it is easy for most people to relate to Logan as we experience her hopes and struggles. Her determination and bravery resonates and is super inspiring.

What was a discovery you made, over the course of this project? Something that perhaps shocked you or wowed you?

The Red Crow family works outside tending to their ranch and horses on Siksika Nation for many hours of the day in incredibly harsh conditions from hot hot scorching summer sun to frigid frozen winter air. It’s a hard life, but for them it’s just another day.

What conversations do you hope the film inspires?

I hope this film inspires conversations about family, love and empathy extending beyond humans to animals and all of our relations by showing the good ways that we take care of one another, even in the most challenging circumstances.

What do you love about Hot Docs? 

Firstly, the name (hot dogs) already says that this festival is pretty cool. We are happy to be having the Canada premiere at Hot Docs. It’s great to be screening at a festival that supports Indigenous films and filmmakers and we are looking forward to experiencing it on the big screen with audiences there.

When you look back on this project a decade or two from now, what do you think will be your most vivid memory? 

My most vivid memory will most likely be the amazing time spent with the Red Crow and Big Snake family on their ranch in Siksika Nation. They are such generous, kindhearted and great people.

Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before The Sun will screen at Hot Docs Film Festival on Saturday, April 29th at 2:30pm at the Scotiabank Theatre 7, and Wednesday, May 3rd at 3pm at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2. It will also be available to stream online from May 5th – 9th.