In this film, Jinny (Tatyana Baptiste) goes to a Pow Wow with her Aunt Nora (Lisa Ravensbergen) and her mother, Cara (Tanis Parenteau). Pow Wows are a Native American tradition where people go to trade and dance as a way to celebrate their indigenous ancestors. Jinny dances at the Pow Wow and meets Riley (Joshua Odjick) and they two have a chance to take a break from their stressful home lives.
The story follows Jinny and Riley. We follow Jinny through her last time dancing at the Pow Wow and starting a new future. We also follow Riley and learn about his wanting to escape his home life and start a future. These two meet up at the Pow Wow and their stories merge. The camera work is very clear. When Jinny and Riley have their first date we get close-ups and Riley's face shows that he hopes that he isn't overdoing it. Jinny's face is so happy and is enjoying her time with Riley. The main characters are Jinny, Riley, Cara, Nora, Riley's dad, and Luke (Joel Monigrand). The film follows Jinny and Riley's blossoming relationship and how the other characters play a role in both Jinny's and Riley's lives. Cara is very controlling about what Jinny can and cannot do. She tries to get Jinny to move to Toronto to be a lawyer, even though that's not Jinny's dream. Her Aunt Nora tries to convince Cara to let Jinny try things on her own so she can learn from her experiences. For Riley, his father is not fully present because his father is often drunk and abusive to him. Luke is present in Riley's life, and is the one who takes Riley to the Pow Wow. He takes over the role of parenting Riley. I loved seeing the indigenous clothing that the dancers wear; these are worn only at Pow Wows. This film takes place in modern-day Canada. Most of this film has Native American music playing in the background. My favorite part is how each character has a unique personality that is very relatable.
The film's message is that we have to live life without regrets or second guessing. Be aware that there are some acts of violence, smoking, and some mild profanity. Riley gets thrown against the wall; Riley's dad attacks Luke and Riley; Darren shoves Riley and this leads him to punching Darren in the face.
I give Sweet Summer Pow Wow 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Zamyra G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
In this film, Jinny (Tatyana Baptiste) goes to a Pow Wow with her Aunt Nora (Lisa Ravensbergen) and her mother, Cara (Tanis Parenteau). Pow Wows are a Native American tradition where people go to trade and dance as a way to celebrate their indigenous ancestors. Jinny dances at the Pow Wow and meets Riley (Joshua Odjick) and they two have a chance to take a break from their stressful home lives.
The story follows Jinny and Riley. We follow Jinny through her last time dancing at the Pow Wow and starting a new future. We also follow Riley and learn about his wanting to escape his home life and start a future. These two meet up at the Pow Wow and their stories merge. The camera work is very clear. When Jinny and Riley have their first date we get close-ups and Riley's face shows that he hopes that he isn't overdoing it. Jinny's face is so happy and is enjoying her time with Riley. The main characters are Jinny, Riley, Cara, Nora, Riley's dad, and Luke (Joel Monigrand). The film follows Jinny and Riley's blossoming relationship and how the other characters play a role in both Jinny's and Riley's lives. Cara is very controlling about what Jinny can and cannot do. She tries to get Jinny to move to Toronto to be a lawyer, even though that's not Jinny's dream. Her Aunt Nora tries to convince Cara to let Jinny try things on her own so she can learn from her experiences. For Riley, his father is not fully present because his father is often drunk and abusive to him. Luke is present in Riley's life, and is the one who takes Riley to the Pow Wow. He takes over the role of parenting Riley. I loved seeing the indigenous clothing that the dancers wear; these are worn only at Pow Wows. This film takes place in modern-day Canada. Most of this film has Native American music playing in the background. My favorite part is how each character has a unique personality that is very relatable.
The film's message is that we have to live life without regrets or second guessing. Be aware that there are some acts of violence, smoking, and some mild profanity. Riley gets thrown against the wall; Riley's dad attacks Luke and Riley; Darren shoves Riley and this leads him to punching Darren in the face.
I give Sweet Summer Pow Wow 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Zamyra G. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
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