The Stand

18 TBC

Director Christopher Auchter, a member of the Haida Nation, reconstructs the story of the 1985 stand-off between his community and a major logging company. The resistance, which was rooted in Haida spirituality, blocked the loggers from accessing Lyell Island. Tension increased as police and the media descended on the standoff, transforming the protest into a national flashpoint on Indigenous land rights, environmental protection and justice.

While mainstream media framed the conflict around jobs, legality and the economy, the Haida perspective is made clear: their forest land is unceded and must be protected for future generations. An articulate anatomy of a movement, The Stand is an impressive overview of how to build and sustain a protest, engage in debate and remain on the frontline of resistance.

The Stand received a Special Mention from the Sheffield DocFest Youth Jury, who were deeply moved by its spirit, noting:

“Witnessing the steadfast commitment, humanity and unwavering compassion of the Haida people is deeply hopeful today and acts as a form of inspiration for audiences on how to effectively resist. It’s a powerful reminder that hope and change are the products of sustained action and it acts as a recognition of our interconnectedness with each other and with the land.”