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Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Métis Child

Directed by Alanis Obomsawin
Canada, 1986 (documentary / fiction, 29 minutes, colour, English)
Also known as "Richard Cardinal : le cri d'un enfant métis"
Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a
Métis Child
Image: © National Film Board of Canada
Video (National Film Board of Canada)

Film Description:
"A moving tribute to Richard Cardinal, a Métis adolescent who committed suicide in 1984. He had been taken from his home at the age of four because of family problems, and spent the rest of his seventeen short years moving in and out of twenty-eight foster homes, group homes and shelters in Alberta. A sensitive, articulate young man, Richard Cardinal left behind a diary upon which this film is based."
-- National Film Board of Canada (source)

Film Credits (partial):
Written by: Alanis Obomsawin
Produced by: Alanis Obomsawin, Marrin Canell, Robert Verrall, Andy Thomson
Principal Cast: Pauline Kerik, Leslie Miller, Betty Smith, Cory Swan
Film Editing: Rita Roy
Music: Dario Domingues
Production Company: National Film Board of Canada / Office national du film du Canada
(sources)

Quote by the Director

"I want people who look at the film to have a different attitude next time they meet what is called a problem child and develop some love and some relationship to the child, instead of alienating him."
-- Alanis Obomsawin (source)

Quote about Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Métis Child

"With its retrospective narrative structure, compelling imagery, and persistent questioning of the treatment that Richard received the film [Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Métis Child] reveals the systemic inadequacy and racism of child welfare policies."
-- Zuzana Pick (source)

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