They’re funny for a reason consists of six shorts made by filmmakers from across the Prairies, with an emphasis on local filmmakers. Each short utilizes satire that touches on the topics of race, colonization, gender and sexuality. They are all quite similar, but different from one another in their ways. In both of Darryl Nepinak’s films he is bringing to light the harm of the word Indian. In Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan’s films they flip homophobic stereotypes on their head and question what it means to be a “real lesbian”. Thirza Cuthand’s films poke fun at the ways that dating can be a challenge for Two Spirit folks, finding the humour within that struggle. These diverse groups of films find that the satirical humour displayed is intentional for the groups that are represented in each of these shorts. – Mahlet Cuff, Winnipeg Film Group Distribution Archive Assistant
Featuring work by Thirza Cuthand, Darryl Nepinak, Shawna Dempsey + Lorri Millan.
2-Spirit Introductory Special $19.99
Directed by Thirza Cuthand
2015, Canada, 5 min
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2-Spirit Dreamcatcher Dot Come
Directed by Thirza Cuthand
2017, Canada, 5 min
2 Spirit Dreamcatcher Dot Com queers and indigenizes traditional dating site advertisements. Following up on her video 2 Spirit Introductory Special $19.99 this work examines the forces of capitalism through envisioning a “financially unfeasible” service for a small minority community.
I For NDN
Directed by Darryl Nepinak & Clint Enns
2011, Canada, 2 min
Retro children’s TV takes a comical jab when one letter of the alphabet gets a new association.
INDIAN
Directed by Darryl Nepinak
2008, Canada, 2 min
At the Canadian National Spelling Bee speller Darryl Nepinak stumbles upon a familiar word.
What Does a Lesbian Look Like?
Directed by Shawna Dempsey & Lorri Millan
1994, Canada, 2 min
Produced for Much Music’s Word Up program, What Does a Lesbian Look Like? examines a plethora of big dyke stereotypes and embraces them. Performed by Shawna Dempsey and a whole whack of gals.
Lesbian National Parks and Services: A Force of Nature
Directed by Shawna Dempsey & Lorri Millan
2002, Canada, 23 min
“The Lesbian Ranger Corps is a fast growing and dynamic force of professionals dedicated to lesbian wildlife in all its forms.” Shawna and Lorri take us through the wild and show us what it takes to become a Lesbian Ranger.
This free program is presented with the support of the Province of Manitoba’s Safe at Home program. Visit safeathomemb.ca for a list of other programs available for free.
