The Film: The Road Forward
The Road Forward, an inventive documentary musical by Métis/Dene playwright and director Marie Clements, connects a pivotal moment in Canada’s civil rights history—the beginnings of Indian Nationalism in the 1930s—with the powerful momentum of First Nations activism today. The Road Forward’s stunningly shot musical sequences, performed by an ensemble of some of Canada’s finest vocalists and musicians, seamlessly connect past and present with soaring vocals, blues, rock, and traditional beats. A rousing tribute to the fighters for First Nations rights, a soul-resounding historical experience, and a visceral call to action.
Clements first conceived of The Road Forward as live performance, premiering the piece in 2010 at the Aboriginal Pavilion of the Vancouver Cultural Olympiad, which ran in conjunction with the 2010 Winter Olympics. “It’s exciting to be marrying music to documentary content,” says Clements.
Clements is an award‐winning writer, director and producer of film, television, radio, new media and live performance.