S3E9 Pt 1: Prophetic Witness in Modern Cinema: Oscar Nominee Sugarcane

In a world that values profit over the truth that sets truth free (i.e., prophet), there is always a need for truth-tellers. So, when a film comes along whose sole purpose and original intent is to set truth free, what will truth-seekers do once they elect to view the documentary?

Sugarcane is both a masterpiece of art through nonfiction storytelling and a clarion call to sacred action.

Anyone who chooses to view this film must set aside at least 30 minutes to allow yourself to fully soak in the spirit of right-

relationship. We recommend that this film be viewed in small groups with time for communal wisdom to arise.

Julian Brave NoiseCat is such an interesting figure in today's cultural landscape! He's both American and Canadian, enrolled in the Canim Lake Band Tsq'secen of the Secwepemc Nation in British Columbia. What really makes him stand out is how he weaves together different worlds - he's a writer, filmmaker, and sacred activist who's become a powerful voice on climate justice and Indigenous rights across North America.

His career recently hit an amazing milestone with "Sugarcane," his first documentary film that he directed with Emily Kassie. They won the Directing Award at Sundance in 2024, and the film went on to get an Oscar nomination in 2025, making him the first filmmaker Indigenous to North America to receive that honor. His work bridges traditional Indigenous perspectives with contemporary storytelling in a way that's getting recognized at the highest levels.