Growing up, Cody Lightning, a Cree actor and filmmaker, found himself as the lone Indigenous member on a neighborhood sports squad named ‘The Indians.’ His most recent cinematic creation, “Smudge the Blades,” is set to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12. Loosely drawing from his coaching background, the film delves into the intricacies faced by Indigenous youngsters in the sports realm, infusing humor and impressive hockey prowess from its cast.
Hailing from Edmonton, Lightning highlighted the significant role sports play as an outlet for Treaty 6 youth, making the movie resonate with many. He emphasized the authenticity of the film, noting that the actors and hockey players embraced it due to its genuine portrayal of reality.
Famous for his portrayal of young Victor in “Smoke Signals,” Lightning has taken the reins in writing, directing, and acting in “Hey Viktor!” in 2023. His latest project follows the journey of the Treaty 6 Blades, an underdog U-18 team comprising teenage boys and a lone female player, under the guidance of a Zamboni driver-turned-coach, played by Lightning.
Although initially conceptualized as a comedy, the film’s narrative evolved over nearly a decade to encompass weighty themes such as racism, sexual assault, drug use, and alcohol abuse, leading to its classification as a dramedy. Lightning aims to shed light on the struggles and camaraderie within the team, utilizing humor as a coping mechanism both in his work and personal life.
Paulina Alexis, known for her role as Willie Jack in “Reservation Dogs,” effortlessly stepped into the character of tomboy Jaycee Pipestem, drawing from her personal experience growing up playing hockey in a male-dominated environment. Hoping to spark reflection among viewers, Alexis shared her aspiration that the film serves as an enlightening experience.
Echoing Alexis’ sentiments, Kelly Boutsalis, an International Programmer at TIFF and a member of the Kanien’kehá:ka from Six Nations of the Grand River, lauded the dual roles played by the cast as hockey players and actors, contributing to the film’s authenticity and emotional depth.
Lightning, eagerly anticipating the film’s premiere, expressed his keen interest in observing audience reactions firsthand. The culmination of years of dedication and passion, “Smudge the Blades” promises to offer a poignant yet humorous portrayal of the challenges and triumphs faced by Indigenous youth in the realm of sports.
