THE RIDE takes us on the annual Chief Big Foot Memorial Ride commemorating the massacre at Wounded Knee. Each December since 1986, young Lakota Sioux retrace their ancestors' history on a 300-mile horse ride in late December.
Stéphanie Gillard's intimate, moving vérité account follows the preparation and the journey amid the captivating, stunningly photographed South Dakota Badlands. The young riders share their thoughts and emotions as they contemplate their ancestors' history. As the adult Lakota guide and advise them on proper horse care, they share their own stories.
«In this remarkable documentary, Stéphanie Gillard follows dozens of Lakota Sioux riders, across the plains and rocky reliefs of South Dakota battered by the icy winds... With this beautiful cinematic work, she not only gives them back their dignity but restores their land to them ... "- Nicolas Didier (Télérama - Feb. 2018)
"It's simply a light that shines into their world and into a powerful moment of their lives so that we may all share it (...).. Stunningly crafted cinematography by Martin de Chabaneix really brings the beauty out of the ordinary moments of life. This is a ride definitely worth going on."
- Artswire Weekly - 01 April 2016 (Tribeca Film Festival).
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Festivals and Awards:
* 2016: official selection "Présence autochtone", Montreal First Peoples Festival, 3 to 10 August.
* 2016: selected at the 17th edition of the "Mois du film documentaire/comptoir du doc" (Month of the documentary film), November '16
* 2016: world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival ("Viewpoints")