Sugarcane Documentary Now Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar

The Oscar-nominated documentary “Sugarcane” has made its debut on Disney+ Hotstar, bringing to light the harrowing history of Indian residential schools in North America. This powerful film delves into the abuse, forced assimilation, and the tragic reality of unmarked graves of children at institutions such as the St. Joseph’s Indian Residential School in Canada. Its release coincides with President Joe Biden’s recent public apology regarding the U.S. federal Indian boarding school policy, which acknowledges the profound impact these institutions have had on Indigenous communities.

When and Where to Watch Sugarcane

“Sugarcane” first aired on National Geographic on December 9, 2024, and is now available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Viewers can access the documentary in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English. This accessibility ensures that a wider audience can engage with the film’s critical themes and narratives. The documentary’s release on a popular streaming platform like Disney+ Hotstar allows it to reach a global audience, sparking conversations about the dark history of residential schools and their lasting effects on Indigenous peoples.

The film’s availability in various languages is particularly significant. It allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect with the stories of survivors and understand the cultural ramifications of these institutions. By making the documentary accessible to a broader audience, “Sugarcane” aims to educate viewers about the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities and encourage discussions about reconciliation and healing.

Official Trailer and Plot of Sugarcane

The official trailer for “Sugarcane” offers a chilling glimpse into the investigation of unmarked graves at the St. Joseph’s Indian Residential School. The documentary uncovers disturbing accounts of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse suffered by children in these institutions. It highlights the stories of survivors, revealing harrowing evidence of misconduct, including instances where priests impregnated young girls and subsequently incinerated their newborns.

These narratives are not isolated; they are part of a broader context of similar abuses that occurred in both U.S. and Canadian residential schools. These institutions were created with the intent to erase Indigenous culture and identity, forcing children into a system designed to assimilate them into Western society. “Sugarcane” seeks to confront this painful history, providing a platform for survivors to share their experiences and for audiences to reflect on the consequences of such systemic oppression. The documentary serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of acknowledging and addressing historical injustices.

Cast and Crew of Sugarcane

“Sugarcane” is directed by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, both of whom bring their unique perspectives to the project. Kassie also serves as a producer alongside Oscar-nominee Kellen Quinn. The documentary features music composed by Mali Obomsawin, an Indigenous artist from Odanak First Nation, adding an authentic cultural touch to the film. The cinematography is handled by Christopher LaMarca and Kassie, who work together to create a visually compelling narrative that complements the film’s emotional weight.

Among the executive producers is Academy Award-nominee Lily Gladstone, who lends her voice and influence to the project. Other notable executive producers include Bill Way and Geralyn White Dreyfous. The collaboration of these talented individuals highlights the commitment to telling this important story with sensitivity and respect. Their collective efforts ensure that “Sugarcane” not only informs but also resonates deeply with audiences, fostering a greater understanding of the impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities.

Reception of Sugarcane

“Sugarcane” has received widespread critical acclaim since its release. The documentary has garnered over a dozen awards from various film festivals, including the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Directing Award for U.S. Documentary. It leads the Critics Choice Documentary Awards with eight nominations, showcasing its impact and relevance in contemporary discussions about Indigenous rights and historical injustices.

The film has also been shortlisted by DOC NYC and the International Documentary Association (IDA) as one of the year’s top documentary features. Its theatrical release during the summer was accompanied by community screenings aimed specifically at Indigenous audiences across North America. These screenings provided a space for reflection and dialogue, allowing communities to engage with the film’s themes in a meaningful way. “Sugarcane” stands as a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking to illuminate hidden histories and foster understanding among diverse audiences.

Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.

Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn