Growing up, Cody Lightning, a Cree actor and filmmaker, stood out as the only Indigenous member of a local sports team named ‘The Indians.’ His latest film, ‘Smudge the Blades,’ is set to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12.
The movie, loosely inspired by Lightning’s coaching experience, delves into the challenges faced by Indigenous youth in sports, blending humor and impressive hockey skills from the cast. Hailing from Edmonton, Lightning emphasized the significance of sports as a vital outlet for Treaty 6 youth, making the film resonate with many.
Explaining the appeal of the film, Lightning highlighted its authenticity, stating that the actors and hockey players connected with the material due to its realistic portrayal of Indigenous experiences. Notable for his role in ‘Smoke Signals,’ Lightning took on multiple roles in ‘Hey Viktor!’ before embarking on his second feature film journey.
The narrative follows the struggles of the Treaty 6 Blades, a U-18 team comprising teenage boys and a lone girl, under the guidance of a Zamboni driver-turned-coach, portrayed by Lightning. Initially conceived as a comedy, the film evolved into a dramedy as it delves into weighty subjects such as racism, sexual assault, drugs, and alcohol within the context of an underdog team from the reservation.
Lightning aims to showcase the realities of Indigenous life and the camaraderie that binds the team, using humor as a coping mechanism both in his work and personal life. Actress Paulina Alexis, known for her role in ‘Reservation Dogs,’ found playing tomboy Jaycee Pipestem a natural fit, drawing from her background in hockey within a family of enthusiasts.
Reflecting on her experiences growing up in the reserve and facing racism in hockey, Alexis expressed hope that the film would shed light on the challenges Indigenous youth encounter in sports while also offering audiences a chance to enjoy a good laugh. She praised her co-stars for their impressive performances, particularly noting their dedication to the roles.
Kelly Boutsalis, an International Programmer at TIFF with Kanien’kehá:ka roots, commended the cast’s dual roles as hockey players and actors, highlighting the authenticity they brought to the film. Describing the movie as heartfelt and humorous, Boutsalis praised the depth the actors added to their characters.
Lightning, eagerly anticipating the film’s premiere, shared his excitement at observing the audience’s reactions firsthand. The film aims to entertain and enlighten viewers on the unique struggles and triumphs of Indigenous youth in the realm of sports.