VANCOUVER, WINNIPEG and TORONTO — Ayasew Ooskana Pictures, APTN and CBC/Radio-Canada announced today production has begun on the new original five-part drama and feature film Bones of Crows, created by award-winning writer, director and producer Marie Clements.
Casting was also announced for the character-driven series, which will star Grace Dove (above, Monkey Beach) as Cree matriarch Aline Spears who “survives a childhood in Canada’s residential school system to continue her family’s generational fight in the face of systemic starvation, racism, and sexual abuse,” reads a press release.
“She uses her uncanny ability to understand and translate codes into working for a special division of the Canadian Air Force as a Cree code talker in World War II. The story unfolds over 100 years with a cumulative force that propels us into the future,” the release says.
Other announced cast members include Philip Lewitski (Wildhood), Glen Gould (Cold Pursuit), Michelle Thrush (Pathfinder), Gail Maurice (Night Raiders), Cara Gee (The Expanse), Karine Vanasse (Cardinal), Angus Macfadyen (Robert The Bruce), Rémy Girard (District 31), Graham Greene (Molly’s Game) and Lorne Cardinal (Corner Gas).
Bones of Crows was commissioned by CBC/Radio-Canada in association with APTN. The series is being produced by Marie Clements Media, Screen Siren Pictures and Grana Productions, with the financial participation of Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund, APTN, Independent Production Fund, Shaw Rocket Fund, Bell Fund, Indigenous Screen Office, FIBC, CAVCO, and First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Cultural Council and Indigenous Arts Program.
“Both myself and my producing partners are committed to bringing together the brightest minds and strongest hearts — leading Indigenous artists and actors, with leading non-Indigenous artists and actors, to tell a shared story that is uniquely Canadian, undeniably Indigenous and universally human,” says Clements, in the press release.
“The intent is to execute an unapologetic vision and cinematic experience that gives voice to the residential school experience which is still being recovered, while also celebrating the resilience and hope that has always been us.”
Bones of Crows filming locations include B.C.’s Thompson-Nicola Region (Kamloops, Vernon, Quilchena), Greater Victoria Area and Greater Vancouver Area, as well as Winnipeg. Eagle Vision will produce the Winnipeg portion of the production.
“It is vital to share Indigenous history, perspectives and storytelling with authenticity of voice, and we are honoured to partner with Marie Clements and this outstanding cast and creative team to bring Bones of Crows to audiences across the land,” says Sally Catto, general manager of entertainment, factual and sports at CBC, in the press release.
“Alongside our colleagues at Radio-Canada, we will offer this powerful, layered story in English, French and Cree, and in both limited series and feature film formats.”
Bones of Crows will be shot originally in English with Cree and Ayajuthem spoken in key scenes. Cree and French-language versions will also be produced for broadcast.
“For over 21 years, APTN has been providing a platform for Indigenous Peoples to share their stories in their voices,” says APTN CEO Monika Ille.
“Bones of Crows shows us the beauty of our stories, even as it tells of our struggles. Our hope is that this production will give audiences the opportunity to reflect on the way that our histories of trauma have made us who we are today, and advance meaningful conversations about reconciliation.”
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Photo courtesy of CBC. Photo credit: Farah Nosh.
