Where to Stream Sugarcane (2024): A Documentary on Canada’s Residential Schools

Sugarcane is a 2024 documentary film directed by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, offering an in-depth examination of the Canadian Indian residential school system. The film, produced by Kassie and Kellen Quinn, delves into the trauma inflicted on Indigenous children and communities through forced separation and cultural assimilation at these schools. Sugarcane takes a raw and personal look at the experiences of survivors and descendants, with NoiseCat’s own family history intricately woven into the film’s narrative.

The documentary made its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the prestigious Grand Jury Award for Directing. Following its premiere, Sugarcane embarked on a festival run, screening at the San Francisco, Seattle, and Sydney International Film Festivals, among others. It was later acquired by National Geographic Documentary Films for theatrical release in the U.S. and Canada, with limited engagements starting August 9, 2024, through Variance Films and Films We Like.

Production

The film was made possible through grants from the Catapult Film Fund and the International Documentary Association Enterprise Fund. NoiseCat’s personal connection to the subject matter, including his father’s experiences at St. Joseph’s Mission, added a deeply emotional layer to the film, offering an insider's perspective on the atrocities committed.

Release

Sugarcane premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on January 20, where it won critical acclaim and the Grand Jury Award for Directing. Following its festival run, National Geographic Documentary Films acquired the distribution rights, with a limited theatrical release starting on August 9, 2024. The film will be gradually released in additional cities, accompanied by special screenings and community events. The documentary is set to stream on Disney+ and Hulu later in the year.

Awards and Accolades

In addition to the Grand Jury Award at Sundance, Sugarcane has won multiple honors, including the Documentary Award from the 2024 San Francisco International Film Festival and the Special Jury Prize for Documentary Features at the Seattle and Sarasota Film Festivals. The film continues to gain recognition for its raw, emotional storytelling and its focus on a dark chapter in Canadian history.

Review

Sugarcane has been hailed for its poignant portrayal of intergenerational trauma and resilience in Indigenous communities. Critics have praised the filmmakers for their compassionate approach, particularly NoiseCat’s willingness to share his family’s connection to the St. Joseph’s Mission school. The documentary has sparked conversations about the need for continued accountability and reconciliation, while also highlighting the cultural survival of Indigenous people.

In Sugarcane, NoiseCat and Kassie bring to light the long-ignored truths of Canada’s residential school system and provide a powerful platform for survivors to share their stories. The film’s striking imagery, emotional depth, and investigative rigor make it a must-watch for those seeking to understand the painful legacy of these institutions and the enduring strength of Indigenous communities.

1. What is Sugarcane about?
   Sugarcane is a 2024 documentary investigating the history of Canadian Indian residential schools, focusing on unmarked graves discovered at former school sites and their impact on survivors and descendants.

2. Who directed Sugarcane?
   The documentary was co-directed by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, both recognized for their investigative work on social justice topics.

3. When did Sugarcane premiere?
   Sugarcane had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2024, where it won the Grand Jury Award for Directing.

4. Where can I watch Sugarcane?
   You can stream Sugarcane on Disney+ and Hulu following its theatrical release, with National Geographic Documentary Films serving as the distributor.

5. What awards has Sugarcane won?
   The documentary has won multiple awards, including the Grand Jury Award for Directing at Sundance 2024, and documentary awards at the San Francisco and Seattle International Film Festivals.

6. What is the significance of the title Sugarcane?
   The title refers to the Sugar Cane Reserve in British Columbia, near St. Joseph’s Mission residential school, where much of the investigation takes place. It symbolizes both the location and resilience of Indigenous communities.

7. Is Sugarcane based on real events?
   Yes, Sugarcane is based on real investigations into unmarked graves found at Canadian residential schools, combining survivor stories with ongoing historical research.

8. What themes are explored in Sugarcane?
   The documentary delves into themes of intergenerational trauma, survival, the systemic abuse faced by Indigenous children, and the healing journey of communities.

9. How does Julian Brave NoiseCat's personal story connect to the film?
   NoiseCat’s personal family history with the residential school system plays a significant role, making the documentary a personal exploration of his roots as well as a broader historical investigation.

10. What impact did Sugarcane have upon its release?
    Sugarcane sparked critical conversations around reconciliation and the enduring effects of the residential school system in Canada, highlighting the importance of addressing historical wrongs.

11. Why is the discovery of unmarked graves significant in the film?
    The unmarked graves serve as powerful evidence of the atrocities committed at residential schools, shedding light on the abuse, neglect, and deaths that were long hidden.

12. Will Sugarcane be available internationally?
    Yes, after its U.S. and Canadian release, Sugarcane is expected to be available internationally, expanding through streaming platforms like Disney+ and Hulu.