If you divert your attention from the Dutton family’s saga in the Yellowstone spinoff 1923, you’ll uncover a harrowing narrative rooted in a chilling historical reality. This is further highlighted by a documentary that boasts a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, shedding light on similar painful truths.
Central to the gripping storyline in 1923 is Teonna Rainwater’s heartbreaking journey of survival while being confined in an American Indian residential school. These institutions serve as a stark reminder of a dark chapter in history.
The Reality of American Indian Residential Schools
American Indian residential schools are, sadly, not just fiction. Established from the 17th century until the early 20th century, these government-funded, often church-run establishments aimed to “civilize” Native American children. To achieve this, countless children were forcibly taken from their homes, stripped of their languages, and required to abandon their cultures.
With a painful legacy tied to these schools, gaining awareness around this topic is increasingly important. Ahead of the anticipated 1923 Season 2, the acclaimed 2024 documentary Sugarcane provides a gripping exploration of the Canadian Indian residential school system and is now available for streaming.
Streaming Availability of *Sugarcane*
As of now, Sugarcane can be streamed on both Disney+ and Hulu with a subscription. Directed by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, the documentary debuted at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, receiving accolades for Best Directing in US Documentary.
This poignant documentary has also garnered awards at prominent events, including the Seattle International Film Festival, the San Francisco International Film Festival, and the Sarasota Film Festival, all while maintaining its 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Insights from the Documentary
Sugarcane delves deep into the stories of those affected by the Canadian residential school system, featuring powerful interviews with survivors and their descendants. Viewers have candidly described the film as “very sad and disturbing” as well as “exceptional and unforgettable.”
Reflecting on the content, one Reddit user expressed, “I know I’m not the only one watching and feeling for those kids and the survivors. How awful. It sickens me that some humans can commit such heinous acts.”
Praise for the documentary continues to flood in, with comments such as, “I truly can’t think of a doc I’ve seen in the last 10 years I’d recommend more highly.”
Teonna’s Struggle in 1923
In 1923, Teonna is subjected to frequent abuse—both physical and emotional—by the nuns overseeing her residential school. As Season 1 concludes, she makes a desperate escape, culminating in tragic violence against her captors as she sets out to reconnect with her father.
The highly anticipated second season of 1923 is set to premiere on Paramount+ on February 23, 2025. To learn more, check out the source for the original story and images here.
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