TIFF 2024: The Knowing Movie Trailer
Tanya Talaga’s evocative storytelling, already well-known from her acclaimed journalism, takes on a new dimension with “The Knowing,” a four-part docuseries premiering at TIFF 2024. Co-directed with Courtney Montour, this series offers a deeply personal exploration of a family mystery intertwined with Canada’s painful history.
What’s It About?
“The Knowing” delves into the search for Annie Carpenter, Talaga’s great-great-grandmother, who vanished nearly 80 years ago. Set against the backdrop of post-WWI Canada, the docuseries follows Talaga’s journey to uncover the truth about Annie’s fate and, by extension, the broader impacts of residential schools and the Indian hospital system on Indigenous families.
The series weaves together personal history with national trauma, using a blend of archival footage, personal interviews, and stunning cinematography. Talaga travels from Northern Ontario to Toronto, meeting long-lost relatives and uncovering the harsh realities faced by Indigenous people through Canada’s systemic abuses.
Why You Should Watch It
- Powerful Personal Story: “The Knowing” is more than just a documentary; it’s a heartfelt search for family roots and answers. Talaga’s exploration into her own family’s history is both compelling and emotional, offering viewers an intimate look at a deeply personal quest for truth.
- Cinematic Excellence: The series stands out with its lush visuals and thoughtful narration. The cinematography captures the beauty and the bleakness of the journey, while the archival footage and personal stories add depth and context to the historical narrative.
- Critical Perspective: Told through an Indigenous lens, “The Knowing” sheds light on the often-hidden aspects of Canadian history, particularly the dark legacy of residential schools. It’s a crucial piece of storytelling that adds to the ongoing conversation about reconciliation and historical justice.
- Engaging and Informative: Adapted from Talaga’s book, the docuseries maintains a strong narrative drive while providing educational insights into the systemic issues that affected Indigenous communities. It’s both a personal story and a broader commentary on a nation’s history.
Screening Details
Catch “The Knowing” at TIFF 2024 on the following dates:
- Thursday, September 5
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Press & Industry Screening – 3:35 PM - Wednesday, September 11
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Press & Industry Screening – 9:10 AM - Thursday, September 12
TIFF Lightbox
Public Screening – 6:15 PM - Friday, September 13
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Public Screening – 8:00 PM
Final Thoughts
“The Knowing” offers an essential look into the complexities of family history and national legacy. Through Tanya Talaga’s personal investigation and Courtney Montour’s direction, the series not only seeks to resolve an 80-year-old mystery but also opens up a vital discussion about Indigenous history and memory. Don’t miss this chance to experience a powerful and moving exploration of the past and its echoes in the present at TIFF 2024.
