Saints and Warriors – Hot Docs 2025
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April 24 to May 4, 2025
Content Advisory: Residential School Trauma
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The All Native Basketball Tournament and its importance to the Haida people are looked at in Saints and Warriors. The All Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert has for six decades been one of the most popular events for the First Nations of Haida Gwaii, off the coast of British Columbia. For many years, the Skidegate Saints have been the team to beat; however, they gain an added challenge when three players, including star player Jesse Barnes, defect to play for the rival Barnaby Chiefs.
Saints and Warriors Synopsis
Saints and Warriors is a sports documentary directed by Patrick Shannon about the All Native Basketball Tournament. The film follows Desi Collinson, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, and Duane Alsop, three aging players for the Skidegate Saints, who also coach the junior team. Basketball has become an integral part of Haida culture, with the earliest participants in the All Native being residential school survivors. Gaagwiis Jason Alsop is also the president of the Haida Nation, which has been fighting to reclaim its land from the government.
My Thoughts on Saints and Warriors
Saints and Warriors works as both an inspirational sports film, while also telling the deeper story of the Haida Nation of Western Canada. The main drama of Saints and Warriors includes the rivalry between the nearly undefeated Skidegate Saints and their rivals, the Burnaby Saints, often criticised for being a club team made up of outside players. With some of the best young players from Skidegate defecting to Burnaby, it adds an extra level of drama to the All Native tournament.
Trailer for Saints and Warriors – Hot Docs 2025
