Backdrop

Empire of Dirt

Like many Native families, Lena Mahikan grew up in the cycle of abuse. Her father, a residential school survivor, was an alcoholic until he killed himself when Lena was 10. Her mother, only 14 years her senior, turned to the slots. By the time Lena was 15, she was pregnant and, before giving birth, was kicked to the curb by her mom. The cycle continues and Lena is now watching helplessly as her own daughter, Peeka, spirals out of control, landing herself in the hospital following a drug overdose. As a final attempt at survival, Lena decides to return home and face her own mother and a past she’s desperate to escape.

2013 |1h 39m |  Drama

Videos

Cast

cast

Cara Gee

Lena Mahikan

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Jennifer Podemski

Minnie Mahikan

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Luke Kirby

Russell Carter

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Jordan Prentice

Warren Fensky

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Michael Cram

Doc Baker

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Kate Corbett

Wendy

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Barbara Gordon

Mrs. Armstrong

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Jean Yoon

Tess

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Shannon Kook

Angel

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Tonya Williams

Sandra

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Raoul Bhaneja

Dr. Gaffney

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Joris Jarsky

Neil

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Sarah Manninen

Anna

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Lawrence Bayne

Uncle Hank

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Sarah Podemski

Charmaine

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Tony Nappo

Fisherman

More Details

Status

Released

Language

English

Budget

-

Revenue

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