Sartaj Singh
Tasha Hubbard is creating a feature film based on her poignant documentary! Moviedelic can reveal that the filmmaker will direct ‘Birth of a Family’ next. Hubbard and Emil Sher wrote the screenplay, adapting the documentary of the same name. The project’s principal photography will start in Calgary, Alberta, in October.
‘Birth of a Family’ follows the heart-wrenching yet uplifting story of four siblings who come together for the first time in their 50s after being separated as babies during the Sixties Scoop, a dark chapter in Canada’s history when Indigenous children were removed from their families. Connie, Gwen, Marianne, and Anthony are reuniting for the first time. Each of them carries their own scars and stories, uniting for a long weekend in the breathtaking Rockies after landing in Calgary. Over the course of a few transformative days, they share their anger, pain, triumphs, and sorrows, discovering their fragile yet growing sibling bonds.
In the film, Connie is a meticulous planner determined to make the reunion a success, while Gwen, a tough-as-nails single mother, struggles to hide her vulnerable side. Raised in Belgium, Marianne is uncertain about her connection to her Indigenous identity. Anthony, soft-spoken and about to become a grandfather, ponders his newfound role as the older brother to three sisters. Through shared tears, laughter, and an encounter with a wise elder, they come to understand the life-altering power of family, healing, and connection. Their short but impactful journey brings them closer in unexpected ways, forever changing the course of their lives.
A Cree filmmaker and scholar, Hubbard is known for her documentaries exploring Indigenous peoples’ complex histories and experiences through the lens of family, identity, and culture. Her credits include ‘Singing Back the Buffalo,’ ‘Nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up,’ and ‘CBC Docs POV.’ Her dedication to storytelling and education has earned her multiple awards, including prestigious accolades like the Canadian Screen Award for Best Documentary.
The city of Calgary, Alberta, is an ideal filming location for ‘Birth of a Family.’ The crew will likely shoot in Banff National Park, as it is located in the foothills of the Rockies, where much of the emotional journey in the original documentary takes place, adding another layer of authenticity to the film’s portrayal of the siblings’ bond-building experiences. With its seasoned crews, breathtaking locations, and a film-friendly environment, Calgary offers the production department a perfect combination of logistical ease and natural beauty. Other movies shot here include ‘The Revenant,’ ‘Brokeback Mountain,’ ‘Heartland,’ ‘Prey,’ ‘Joe Pickett,’ and ‘Under the Banner of Heaven.’
Read More: Anne Émond to Direct ‘Peak Everything’ Next
