J&RR is including this movie suggestion in our newsletter because it fits our mission to pursue and follow God's biblical commands for racial justice. Note that this film is rated R and contains mature language and descriptions of abuse.

SUGARCANE is a multiple award-winning National Geographic documentary including a 2024 Oscar nomination.
"A stunning tribute to the resilience of Native people and their way of life, SUGARCANE, the debut feature documentary from Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, is an epic cinematic portrait of a community during a moment of international reckoning.

In 2021, evidence of unmarked graves was discovered on grounds of an Indian residential school run by the Catholic Church in Canada. After years of silence, the forced separation, assimilation and abuse many children experienced at these segregated boarding schools was brought to light sparking a national outcry against a system designed to destroy Indigenous communities. Set amidst a groundbreaking investigation, SUGARCANE illuminates the beauty of a community breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and finding the strength to persevere."

"Sugarcane is immersive and incredibly beautiful, shot like poetry and scored by Mali Obomsawin. The result is both stunning and sobering." Alissa Wilkinson — The New York Times

This is not just a Canadian story, or a Catholic story. It is a story for Christians to ponder, with echoes in the United States. A conversation with Christian friends is an opportunity for thoughtful discussions about how we respond to racial injustice.

Watching SUGARCANE as a family or friend group can spark lively and thoughtful discussions. Here are suggestions for discussion prompts: SUGARCANE Discussion Guide

SUGARCANE is streaming on Disney+ and can be rented on YouTube and Amazon Prime.