Empire of Dirt (2013)

  • 18A
  • 11/22/2013 (CA)
  • Drama
  • 1h 39m

Overview

Like many Native families, Lena Mahikan grew up in the cycle of abuse. Her father, a residential school survivor, was an alcoholic until he killed himself when Lena was 10. Her mother, only 14 years her senior, turned to the slots. By the time Lena was 15, she was pregnant and, before giving birth, was kicked to the curb by her mom. The cycle continues and Lena is now watching helplessly as her own daughter, Peeka, spirals out of control, landing herself in the hospital following a drug overdose. As a final attempt at survival, Lena decides to return home and face her own mother and a past she’s desperate to escape.

Shannon Masters

Screenplay

Peter Stebbings

Director

Cast

Cara Gee's headshot

Cara Gee

Lena Mahikan
Shay Eyre's headshot

Shay Eyre

Peeka Mahikan
Jennifer Podemski's headshot

Jennifer Podemski

Minnie Mahikan
Luke Kirby's headshot

Luke Kirby

Russell Carter
Jordan Prentice's headshot

Jordan Prentice

Warren Fensky
Michael Cram's headshot

Michael Cram

Doc Baker
Kate Corbett's headshot

Kate Corbett

Wendy
Barbara Gordon's headshot

Barbara Gordon

Mrs. Armstrong

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