Iniskim – Return of the Buffalo is an intercultural artistic response to the return of the buffalo, as wild animals, to North America. Directed by Leanne Allison and Pete Balkwill, the film is an opportunity to learn about Indigenous ways of knowing. We watch as a group of puppeteers are transformed by their experience of ‘being buffalo’ at night under the stars, guided by the stories of the Blackfoot Elders.
Producers: Amethyst First Rider and Leanne Allison
Organizations: Canadian Academy of Mask and Puppetry and Necessary Journeys and International Buffalo Relations
Canada
“INISKIM: Return of the Buffalo” is a film that explores Indigenous traditions and knowledge through puppetry. Guided by Blackfoot Elders, puppeteers immerse themselves in ‘becoming buffalo’ during transformative night sessions.