Portraits from a Fire

Of the Tsilhqot'in nation of central British Columbia, sixteen year old Tyler lives with his single father Gordon on the rez, although he has been largely raised by his grandparents Sammy and Isobel in Gord often being away in the bush in his work in fire management. In his solitude, Tyler spends most of his time making rudimentarily filmed cheesy movies with his video camera - he pretending to be a famous and well-respected filmmaker in the process including having screenings for anyone who will watch them - all to earn Gord's love and respect which he doesn't think he has, that thought exacerbated by Gord always being conveniently away working when Tyler has his screenings. Tyler also uses the camera to record a video diary which he does solely for himself, his thoughts often going to his mother Trish who he doesn't really remember and in wondering what made her leave. Tyler's solitude is disrupted when he meets a slightly older teen, the mysterious Aaron, who becomes an influential force at this important time in Tyler's life.