The world is about to witness a groundbreaking story that blends sport, culture, and political action in a way like never before. Saints & Warriors, the highly anticipated documentary, unveils the incredible journey of the Haida people of Haida Gwaii, an Indigenous Nation on Canada's northwest coast near Alaska. The film tells the inspiring story of how basketball has become a lifeline for the community, uniting people in both sport and their ongoing fight for cultural preservation.
The documentary follows the legendary Skidegate Saints basketball team during the 2023–24 season as they defend their dominance in the prestigious All-Native Basketball Tournament, where they’ve reigned for over a decade. However, this season’s championship is about more than just winning. With star player Jesse Barnes unexpectedly joining a rival team, the stakes are higher than ever. Team leaders Desi Collinson, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, and Duane Alsop must navigate these challenges both on and off the court.
But Saints & Warriors is not just about basketball—it’s about a community’s fight to reclaim its identity and land. As many Saints players are also leaders in the Haida government, their struggle for Aboriginal title intertwines with their pursuit of victory on the court. The documentary showcases how “a silly game of putting the ball in the hoop” has become a powerful tool for political action, cultural preservation, and community resilience. It is a celebration of how sport can serve as a bridge to address larger societal issues.
Written by Patrick Shannon, Desi Collinson, and Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, and directed by Patrick Shannon, Saints & Warriors features performances from Desi Collinson, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, Duane Alsop, Jesse Barnes, and Nika Collison. The film is produced by Michael Tanko Grand and Grand Scheme (known for Satan Wants You and I'm Just Here For The Riot), in partnership with Uninterrupted, the team behind the acclaimed 2022 documentary Black Ice.
Having already premiered at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Saints & Warriors is set to make its California/Bay Area debut at Cinequest. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in compelling stories of perseverance and community. With a running time of 98 minutes, Saints & Warriors will be screening at the following Cinequest times:
March 12 at 5:00 p.m. – 3Below
March 14 at 4:45 p.m. – 3Below
Tickets are now available for purchase: Cinequest Tickets.
Jessie Hobson