The Incredible 25th Year of Mitzi Bearclaw is a 2021 Canadian drama film, directed by Shelley Niro and starring MorningStar Angeline, Andrew Martin and Gail Maurice. The film is set in an isolated Indigenous community where Mitzi Bearclaw, a young woman who has left her home behind to pursue her dreams of becoming a successful photographer, is forced to come back and confront the bitter reality of her broken family.
Mitzi's father is struggling to care for her mother, who is bitter and unyielding, while Mitzi's sister is trying to balance her own family with the caretaking responsibilities. Reluctant to be back, Mitzi initially struggles to connect with her family and resentful of the fact that she had to abandon her dreams due to this filial responsibility. But as she becomes more immersed in the daily struggles of the community, she discovers a newfound appreciation for the traditions and values of her ancestors.
As Mitzi confronts her past, she opens herself up to an unexpected romance and finds a new sense of purpose in reconnecting with her roots, awakening a deep desire to capture the beauty of her community through her photographs. As the film unfolds, we learn about the challenges and triumphs of Indigenous communities in Canada and their ongoing struggle for recognition and survival.