,

Profile of Steve Sxwithul’txw: Director of “Leave It On The Water”

This year marks the 19th annual Imaginative festival held in Toronto on Oct 17 – 24th.

We are proud to have been able to support a number of films at this years festival. We received the opportunity to speak with Steve Sxwithul’txw one of our Creative BC supported, director’s of the documentary short “Leave It On The Water.” Here is what he had to say about his project.

Tell us about your project!

This is a project which focuses on First Nation youth from Vancouver Island who are destined for the world’s largest outrigger canoe race in Hawaii 2017. The youth who are guided by parents and elders through the rigours of commitment, training and discipline must fight the challenges of our past to prove they have what it takes to make it to Hawaii.

What did you want people to take away from this film?

I want people to know that we are out there (indigenous people). We are working to create new opportunities for success for our youth. The hard work and dedication pays off when you are supported by your communities

Were there any challenges you had to overcome while creating this project?

Budget! Of course! It takes funds to tell these types of stories. As well, for our people to believe in what you are trying to portray to our

audience

How did the support from Creative BC help you create this film?

To be honest, the help was such a welcomed gift. We would not have completed the film without Creative BC…so thank you so much! xo

What other BC creators inspire you? How so?

Any independent Indigenous producer in BC is gold. Why? Because we are commodity that is not yet been unearthed, like an old diamond waiting to be discovered.

/by