Drew Robinson was losing control of his life due to an alcohol addiction. After three near death experiences, he decides to get sober. Using May Thai Boxing and his Blackfoot culture, Drew discovers a way of coping with his drinking habits that keeps him close to his roots.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Trevor Solway

Watch The Black Wolf here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I had known Drew Robinson from High School and always saw great potential in him. He was a bright teenager who exuded confidence but even then I could see he had his vices. I had seen Drew a few years later and it was clear that his life hadn’t gone the path it could’ve went because of an alcohol addiction. A few more years went by and I had seen him again and he was looking really healthy and clear minded. I was amazed by his turn around and had learned that he took up Muay Thai and the Blackfoot culture as a way to cope with his addiction. My personal journey took me to learning the art of filmmaking and I wanted to use my role as a storyteller to tell this story of resilience and strength.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

I think too often society closes the book on minorities who are suffering. Too often are we cast off as drunks, thieves and savages but we are real people with real stories and real strength. I would encourage people to watch my film if they want to see a true story of a young Indigenous man who bounced back and turned those stereotypes on their head.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

This is a story of David vs. Goliath. Drew is David and the settler colonial system is Goliath. As a young Indigenous man myself, I sometimes feel like I shouldn’t be here. I feel like the system wasn’t designed for a person like me to exist. I feel like someone rolled the dice with me and I was blessed with the positive path I find myself on. For Drew, I see that same uphill struggle and underdog story. Canadian policy has made it difficult for virtually anything positive to come out the reserves. We have been dealt a bad hand to begin with and we are constantly trying to beat the odds. Drew is a story of someone who beat the odds.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

I had known of this amazing story arc Drew had lived but I hadn’t known he almost died three times while battling his alcohol addiction. Once he told the three stories in great detail to where I felt like I was there, I wanted to transfer that experience to the audience. I had shot a portion of the film to be long back-lit one-shots where the focus is on the audio telling of the story.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

People love the positive energy and happy ending. Like I said before there are too many stories of our people portrayed as drunks, thieves or savages and this story is a breath of fresh air.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

It strengthened my point of view. Growing up on the reserve I know a ton of people who have risen against all odds. But when I see non-Indigenous audiences see the film they are amazed like they’ve never witnessed this type of resiliency.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I want people to know that we are capable of having happy endings. We are capable of beating the odds. I want young Indigenous people to know they can be anything they want.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Buyers, Distributors, Film Festival Directors, Journalists.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I want people to feel moved by one young Indigenous man’s personal journey back to rediscovering his untapped potential. There are so many other stories of resilience out there

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

As a society we aren’t all given a fair start at life. Some are given head starts, some are held back a few seconds after the gun fires. But that doesn’t mean our story is written and the book is closed on us.

Would you like to add anything else?

Thanks for given me a platform for sharing my thoughts on my film.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I’m currently creating a docu-series called the Intertribal Series, which follows the paths of four Indigenous musicians.

Interview: February 2018

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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The Black Wolf

Length:

8 mins

Director:

Trevor Solway

Producer:

Trevor Solway

Writer:

Trevor Solway

Trevor Solway is a Blackfoot filmmaker and journalist from Siksika Nation. Trevor is passionate about oral Indigenous storytelling and digital media and where the two intersect.

Key cast: Drew Robinson

Looking for buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists

Social media handles:

Facebook: Trevor Solway

Twitter: @TrevorSolwayENT

Instagram: TrevorTheCreator

Other: www.solwayentertainment.com

Made in association with: Solway Entertainment

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? TBD