1665. Louis XIV has seen fit to send a gift to the New World: surplus women to bring succor and support to French settlers in what is now Quebec. Among them is Marie-Jeanne (Julie McIsaac), who immediately falls foul of the matronly Madame Savoie (Claire Johnstone) by making nice with a native Mohawk trader, Jean-Baptiste (Raes Calvert), and his naive young sister Kateri (Kaitlyn Yott).

Adapting his original musical of the same name, Corey Payette’s Les Filles du Roi weaves a story told in English, French, and Kanien´kéha (Mohawk) about the settlement of the Les Filles du Roi (single or orphaned French women brought over to populate the new world) and the Mohawk People. Centered on Kateri, a young Kanien´kehá girl, and her brother Jean-Baptiste, the musical follows their interactions with the new settlers, and one in particular, Marie-Jeanne Lespérance. With a dynamic score by Payette that blends traditional rhythms and contemporary melodies, the musical celebrates resilience, connection, and finding home in unimaginable circumstances.  – REELWORLD

Accompanying the feature is short film Oshki-aya’aa, directed by Jordan Wanakamik. An Anishinaabe teenager, Daniel, is caught stealing after struggling with no food at home. Picked up by his uncle Bernie, he’s given a meal and learns about his uncle’s relationship with traditional dance. Steadily paced, Wanakamik creates a meditative atmosphere as Daniel connects with his culture through art, and finds healing along the way. –Safia Abdigir & REELWORLD

Doors Will Open 30 Minutes Prior to Film Start