Growing up in Edmonton, Cree actor and filmmaker Cody Lightning found himself as the sole Indigenous player on a local sports team known as ‘The Indians.’ His latest film, “Smudge the Blades,” is set to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12. Drawing inspiration from his coaching experience, the movie delves into the challenges faced by Indigenous youth in sports, blending humor with impressive hockey skills from the cast.
Titled after the Treaty 6 Blades, Lightning’s second feature film follows a struggling U-18 team comprising teenage boys and one girl, under the guidance of a former Zamboni driver turned coach portrayed by Lightning himself. Initially envisioned as a comedy, the film evolved into a dramedy as it tackled weighty themes like racism, sexual assault, and substance abuse prevalent among the underdog team from the reservation.
Using humor as both a coping mechanism and a safety net, Lightning aims to showcase the realities faced by Indigenous communities while highlighting the bonds of camaraderie within the team. Actress Paulina Alexis, known for her role in “Reservation Dogs,” seamlessly embodies the character of tomboy Jaycee Pipestem, drawing from her personal history of playing hockey since childhood and being the only girl in a family of hockey enthusiasts.
Alexis, hailing from Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, hopes the film sheds light on the pervasive racism experienced by Indigenous individuals in sports, drawing from her own encounters playing in small towns in Alberta. Despite the serious themes explored in the film, she also aims to bring laughter to audiences, reminiscent of the joyous crowds at her hockey games in her youth.
The film’s authenticity is bolstered by the performances of the ensemble cast of hockey players-turned-actors, lauded by Kelly Boutsalis, International Programmer at TIFF, for infusing the movie with heart and depth. Lightning, known for his role in “Smoke Signals,” expressed anticipation for the premiere, eager to observe the audience’s reactions and the impact of his work.
Throughout the filmmaking process, Lightning emphasized the importance of representing Indigenous experiences authentically, weaving together humor and poignant narratives to create a compelling story that resonates with audiences.