Aki (film)
| Aki | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Darlene Naponse |
| Screenplay by | Darlene Naponse |
| Produced by | Darlene Naponse Jamie Manning |
| Cinematography | Ryan Mariotti Mathieu Seguin Darlene Naponse |
| Edited by | Darlene Naponse |
| Music by | Cris Derksen |
Production companies | Baswewe Films Night Market |
Release date |
|
Running time | 83 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | Anishinaabemowin |
Aki is a Canadian documentary film, directed by Darlene Naponse and released in 2025.[1] The film is a portrait of changing seasonal life, both in the natural world and in the culture of the community, in Naponse's home community of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, an Ojibwe reserve near Sudbury, Ontario.[2]
The film also includes some contrast between the natural environment of Atikameksheng, and the surrounding industrial development in Sudbury.[3]
The film premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival,[1] and will have a gala screening at the 2025 Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival.[2]
Critical response
Rachel Ho of Point of View wrote that "Aki emphasizes nature’s expansiveness: many of the trees, lakes, and fields existed well before our lifetime and will continue to exist when we’ve long gone. No matter how imposing our existence and actions are to the land, we merely exist as its caretakers. But as caretakers, we have been given the gift of life, family, joy, and community — the other side of Naponse’s film."[4]
References
- ^ a b Etan Vlessing, "Ben Proudfoot’s Obamas-Backed ‘The Eyes of Ghana’ to Open Toronto Fest Doc Program". The Hollywood Reporter, August 6, 2025.
- ^ a b "Sudbury's Cinefest unveils remaining galas and full lineup of films". Sudbury Star, August 21, 2025.
- ^ Heidi Ulrichsen, "Cinéfest doc ‘Aki’ a wordless love letter to Atikameksheng Anishnawbek". Sudbury.com, September 15, 2025.
- ^ Rachel Ho, "Aki Review: Mother Nature Prevails in Gorgeous Essay Film". Point of View, September 9, 2025.
External links