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2026 WINNERS / FILMS / BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
★ WINNER

I Am Gitxsan

Hossein Martin Fazeli
Canada · 64 min · English
Poster for I Am Gitxsan
SYNOPSIS

"I Am Gitxsan" follows Phoenix Apperloo, a recent high school graduate reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage in Hazelton, British Columbia, Canada. Inspired by encounters with residential school survivors, he writes a heartfelt letter to Prime Minister Trudeau about the injustices faced by his people.

The documentary highlights the impact of colonialism on the Gitxsan community, featuring insights from experts like Dr Gabor Maté and showcasing their resilience through protests and legal actions. It culminates with a moving message of hope and determination, emphasizing the power of the Gitxsan people's enduring spirit, the beauties of their culture, and their commitment to future generations.

A still from I Am Gitxsan
Hossein Martin Fazeli
ABOUT THE FILMMAKER
Hossein Martin Fazeli

Hossein Martin Fazeli is a multi-award-winning filmmaker with a passion for inspiring characters, and a devotion to human rights.

As a filmmaker, he has shed light on important issues and inspired change through his decade-long work. His films have been broadcast around the world, including on ARTE, BBC, and Canal+, winning 45 awards in the process. His ambition is to bring about change and help communities as exemplified through his 2007 production, “The Tale of Two Nazanins”, about a teenage girl imprisoned on death row in Iran. The film, broadcast on major international networks such as the BBC and CNN, is credited with igniting an international campaign that saved her life.

In 2008, Fazeli was chosen by the Sundance Institute to take part in their International Filmmakers Award. He has lectured around the world on the ever-changing face of filmmaking and has held workshops with students at various educational institutions such as SFU (Canada), SOAS (UK), Aarhus University (Denmark), and the European Film Academy.

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CREDITS
DIRECTED BY
Hossein Martin Fazeli
WRITTEN BY
Hossein Martin Fazeli
PRODUCED BY
Hossein Martin Fazeli
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