Empire of Dirt

As in many Native families, Lena Mahikan (Cara Gee) 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 and was consumed. By the time Lena was 15, she was pregnant and, before giving birth, was kicked to the curb by her mom. For 13 years Lena has been living, poverty stricken in Toronto, struggling to make ends meet, being chased by her own demons. The cycle continues and Lena is now watching helplessly as her own daughter, Peeka (Shay Eyre) spirals out of control, landing herself in the ER following a drug overdose. As her final attempt at survival, Lena decides to return home and face her own mother and a past she's tried desperately to escape.