A film by Darlene Naponse
About
AKI (Anishinaabemowin for "earth" or "land") is a meditative, visually immersive documentary set in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek in Northern Ontario, Canada. A cinematic act of listening and immersion, AKI draws its power from the land, the seasons, memory and the rhythms of life on Atikameksheng Anishnawbek territory, weaving a beautiful, elemental portrait of community, survival, and Indigenous sovereignty.
I created AKI from my home, my territory, and my memories. This is not a film about my community, it is a film with my community, and from our shared worldview. We carry stories in our feet, in our rivers, in our cedar and chaga, in the breath between songs. AKI is a visual record, yes, but it is also a ceremonial act. An act of resistance, an act of love, and an act of return.
- Darlene Naponse
Contact
Jamie Manning
Producer
Darlene Naponse
Writer, Director, Producer
Isuma Distribution International
Distribution
Press Kit
Screenings
Upcoming
imagineNATIVE Film Festival Opening Film
June 2, 2026 | Toronto, ON
Sudbury Indie Cinema Co-Op
June 11-28, 2026 | Sudbury, ON
Cinema Public
June 26, 2026 | Montreal, QC
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
June 19, 2026 | Toronto, ON
Royal BC Museum IMAX Theatre
June 21, 2026 | Victoria, BC
Fox Theatre
June 21,23 2026 | Toronto, ON
F1RST: A Celebration of Indigenous Film
June 17-19 2026 | Victoria, BC
TBA
July 2026 | Hamilton, ON
Dave Barber Cinematheque
July 24-29 2026 | Winnipeg, MN
Selected Press
“Mother Nature Prevails in Gorgeous Essay Film”
Rachel Ho, POV Magazine
“Film Was Made For This”
Anne Brodie, What She Said
“Aki Is A Serene Call For First Nation Sovereignty”
Will Bjarnar, In Session Film
“Aki Is a Unique Diary Entry into a World
that Few Outsiders Get to See”
Shelagh Rowan-Legg, ScreenAnarchy