After the political crisis in Kanesatakes reserve, Arihote (Atewena:ron David Deerhouse), a Kanienkehaka “Mohawk”, sometime war photographer, and his wife parted ways. While trying to help his son who has committed a misdemeanor, Arihote, whose life is in a rut, happens upon the revenge killing of a neighbor by Wedad (Meissoon Azzaria), a Palestinian refugee. Loath to get involved in a police investigation, Arihote finds himself helping Wedad to leave the crime scene. Arihote finally begins to rebuild his relationship with his son, and to focus on resolving his feelings about both his wifes departure and his fathers suicide. The chance encounter between Arihote and Wedad sets each of them on a new course.
The characters in Standstill have seen their attempts to move forward thwarted by cultural and political forces. Finding new solace in each other may be the first step to freeing themselves from their inertia.
A film by
Majdi El-Omari
Starring
Atewena:ron David Deerhouse,
Meissoon Azzaria, Iohahi:io Curotte
Produced by
Majdi El-Omari
Languages: English, Mohawk, Arabic.
Screened at Montreal World film festival 2013, Les Rendez-vous du cinéma québécois 2014, and Origin Native film festival; UK 2015
Awarded a production grant from Doha film Institute in 2011
Awarded production support from Dubai Film Connection, DIFF, 2010
Presented by The Association of Palestinian Arab Canadians