Cody Lightning, a Cree actor and filmmaker from Edmonton, reflects on his upbringing as the only Indigenous player on a sports team named ‘The Indians.’ His new film, “Smudge the Blades,” will debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12. The movie, inspired by his coaching experience, delves into the challenges faced by Indigenous youth in sports, blending humor with impressive hockey skills.
Lightning, best known for his role in “Smoke Signals,” wrote, directed, and stars in this film about the Treaty 6 Blades, a struggling U-18 team comprising teenage boys and a lone girl, led by Lightning’s character, a former Zamboni driver turned coach. Initially envisioned as a comedy, the film evolved into a dramedy due to its exploration of heavy themes like racism, sexual assault, drugs, and alcohol within the team.
Emphasizing the importance of humor as a coping mechanism, Lightning aims to showcase the camaraderie and resilience of the team. Co-star Paulina Alexis, known for her role in “Reservation Dogs,” shares her personal connection to hockey and hopes the film sheds light on the realities faced by Indigenous athletes.
Alexis, who plays the role of tomboy Jaycee Pipestem, draws from her own experiences growing up playing hockey in small towns around Alberta, highlighting the prevalent racism in the sport. Despite addressing serious issues, both Lightning and Alexis stress the film’s comedic elements as a means to entertain and provoke laughter.
The diverse cast of the film, including first-time actors, received praise for their authentic performances from Kelly Boutsalis, an International Programmer at TIFF. Boutsalis commended the actors’ heartfelt portrayals, blending depth with humor to deliver a compelling narrative.
As the anticipation builds for the film’s premiere, Lightning eagerly awaits the audience’s reactions, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and emotional depth in storytelling.
