From the Nominator

"The Language that Lies Between" explores an improbable collaboration between Indigenous artists from disparate corners of the globe. As part of the wider Arctic/Amazon project, Niap (Nancy Saunders) and Olinda Reshinjabe traveled to Toronto to create a large-scale mural for Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). The idea to install a mural at the center of campus was born from TMU’s response to the May 2015 Truth and Reconciliation report, when the university committed to increasing Indigenous placemaking on campus. A number of other initiatives preceded what would become Paisajes de Nosotros (Landscapes of Us), but based on size and placement, this mural was the most significant of these efforts. Long before the artists arrived in Toronto, a diverse set of stakeholders came together to plan a prominent piece of campus art. Involving partners such as TMU’s Image Centre, OCAD University's Gerald McMaster, The Power Plant, Downtown Yonge BIA, and StreetARToronto, the scope of the project demanded documentation. It was crucial to offer donors, partners, and supporters behind-the-scenes coverage of the creative process that would transform the center of TMU’s campus. Thus, this short film was created. It also included Indigenous perspectives beyond the artwork itself, allowing future viewers to hear from its creators, understand its origins, and gain insight into the unique process by which it came to be.

From the Judges

This is a captivating documentary celebrating the collaboration between Indigenous artists who create a powerful mural for Toronto Metropolitan University despite speaking different languages. Making this into a documentary is a thoughtful approach, providing an intimate glimpse into the creative process between these remarkable Indigenous artists.