Renowned filmmaker Rueben Martell sought out a reserve in Saskatchewan, his home province, as the backdrop for his Indigenous love story film, “A Life Less Empty.” Despite encountering a setback with the original location at Waterhen Lake First Nation, Martell and his crew eventually discovered an abandoned house at Pheasant Rump Nakota Nation, approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Regina, which proved to be a perfect alternative.
The two-story brick farmhouse, built in the 1930s, nestled behind a long line of trees on the edge of the First Nation, set the stage for the film production. Martell expressed gratitude for the timely intervention of Pheasant Rump, saving the project at the eleventh hour.
The significance of the location resonated deeply with Martell and his team. Pheasant Rump Nakota Nation had reclaimed its independence as a First Nation in 1990 after being amalgamated with White Bear First Nation in 1901. The band’s recognition as a Treaty 4 band in 2022 marked a pivotal moment in its history.
Local community members from the band have been enlisted as extras for the film, with mentors providing acting guidance. Martell’s vision for the project is to authentically represent Indigenous narratives and provide opportunities for Indigenous actors, all while staying true to the Saskatchewan setting on a First Nation.
Producer Sera-Lys McArthur, an Indigenous actor, shared a personal connection to the film’s location, as the featured house was once home to her grandparents and later her father. The decision to film at this sentimental location was supported by the band’s chief and council, breathing new life into the vacant property.
The film, exploring themes of intergenerational trauma and resilience, is a collaborative effort funded by the Indigenous Screen Office and Creative Saskatchewan. Scheduled for release next summer, “A Life Less Empty” aims to deliver an authentic Indigenous narrative with a profound impact on its audience.
