When All the Leaves Are Gone

When All the Leaves Are Gone

17 mins | Drama | Jan. 1, 2010

As the only First Nations student in an all-white 1940s school, eight-year old Wato is keenly aware of the hostility towards her. She deeply misses the loving environment of the reserve she once called home, and her isolation is sharpened by her father’s serious illness. When Wato’s teacher reads from a history book describing First Nations peoples as ignorant and cruel, it aggravates her classmates’ prejudice. Shy and vulnerable Wato becomes the target of their bullying and abuse. Alone in her suffering, she finds solace and strength in the protective world of her magical dreams.

When All the Leaves Are Gone

17 mins | Drama | Jan. 1, 2010

When All the Leaves Are Gone
As the only First Nations student in an all-white 1940s school, eight-year old Wato is keenly aware of the hostility towards her. She deeply misses the loving environment of the reserve she once called home, and her isolation is sharpened by her father’s serious illness. When Wato’s teacher reads from a history book describing First Nations peoples as ignorant and cruel, it aggravates her classmates’ prejudice. Shy and vulnerable Wato becomes the target of their bullying and abuse. Alone in her suffering, she finds solace and strength in the protective world of her magical dreams.
Producers National Film Board of Canada
Original title When All the Leaves Are Gone
Directors Alanis Obomsawin
Writers Alanis Obomsawin

Cast

Rosalie Dumas

as Wato

Justine Rolland

as Student

Daphnée Vincent

as Student

Margie Hoff

as Old Aunt