Quiet Killing

The statistics are staggering. In Canada, it is estimated that an Indigenous woman is eight times more likely to be murdered than any other citizen. Though advocates have been raising the alarm about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) in their communities for decades, the total numbers are still unclear, and many cases remain unsolved. Kim O’Bomsawin’s searing documentary explores the systemic failures that contribute to these alarming statistics, while putting a face and a story to the women and girls behind these numbers. 　　The Abenaki filmmaker interviews Indigenous women across the country who seek to put an end to the cycle of violence, from community advocates to sex workers, survivors of domestic abuse, politicians and victim’s loved ones. Their testimonies reveal the different forms that violence against Indigenous women can take, and how the epidemic’s roots lie in Canada’s legacy of colonialism and racism. Among interviewees are local activists Lorelei Williams, Audrey Siegl and Angel Gates (who viewers might remember from her role in VIFF 17’s Luk’Luk’I). Quiet Killing is a story of violence, resilience and institutional neglect that carries a vital message about Indigenous women’s right to safety and justice.