Hot Docs Presents The World Premiere Of TURNING TABLES

Hot Docs, the Canadian International Documentary Festival, proudly presents the World Premiere of the short documentary, TURNING TABLES, a film that redefines what it means to be urban and Indigenous, directed by Chrisann Hessing and produced by Tanya Hoshi, and featuring powwow techno pioneer Joshua DePerry, a.k.a. Classic Roots. The film will screen at Scotiabank Theatre, April 30 and May 2, and Innis Town Hall on May 5, as part of the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival, April 26 - May 6, 2018.

In celebration of its World Premiere, TURNING TABLES will have an exclusive After PARTY ON May 5 at One Loft Lounge, featuring live performances by Classic Roots, DNA Stage, Natasha Fisher, Badlook and Sam Louis. THE AFTER PARTY is a fundraiser event for the TURNING TABLES Tour, a community-building initiative designed to inspire creative confidence, encourage self-expression and create a positive environment for Indigenous youth living on reserve. Through film screenings, music and dance workshops, the tour aims to connect Indigenous youth with positive role models like Classic Roots, to encourage them to find healing and purpose through the arts. The tour is a partnership with We Matter, a campaign committed to Indigenous youth empowerment, hope and life promotion.

In his hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Joshua DePerry is known in the Anishinaabe community as a colourful 'fancy dancer' who integrates contemporary dance moves at traditional powwows. In Toronto, he is known as Classic Roots, an up and coming music producer and DJ who blends Indigenous sounds with modern techno and house music. Joshua's vibrant personality is particularly effective in First Nations communities, where he often works to encourage creativity and self-confidence in the youth. TURNING TABLES is a story of an Indigenous artist whose resilience, passion and faith are a positive reminder that it is possible to look to the future without losing sight of the past.

"Negative depictions in the media surround Indigenous people, especially the youth. Now, more than ever, there is a desperate need for coverage of stories of resilience, strength and hope. Joshua's story is exemplary in that he has proven through his musical career, ambitions, and simply through his existence, that it is possible to come out of a place of limited opportunity and create a successful and fulfilling life." - Director and Producer Chrisann Hessing

Joshua "Classic Roots" DePerry is an Award-winning producer and DJ who is impacting the music community with his fresh sound and meaningful collaborations with diverse artists. His beats tell a story that embodies the bold spirit of the North. Through the inclusion of First Nations drumming and singing in his electronic compositions, he acknowledges the continued resilience of his nation. He believes in the importance of community building and shares his passion through upbeat workshops. Classic Roots has also delivered workshops through MikwChiyâm, which is a program that emphasizes skill-sharing to empower youth through mentoring that reinforces a sense of cultural pride.

Director and producer Chrisann Hessing is a documentary filmmaker and digital media
producer based in Toronto. Chrisann was one of eight Canadian participants in the Corus Diverse Voices fellowship through Hot Docs and was one of twenty emerging Canadian filmmakers selected for RIDM's Talent Lab. She is an alumna of the CMPA's Screen Based Media Production Program, as well as DOC Institute's New Visions incubator.

Producer Tanya Hoshi is a film and web series producer based in Toronto. She is an alumna of CMPA's Screen Based Media Production Program, as well as the Hot Docs Accelerator Program. Tanya is currently producing the web series BLACKOUT, which she financed through the Independent Production Fund and OMDC's Interactive Digital Media Fund.

The film also features a strong cast and crew, including Oscar nominated executive producer Barbara Willis-Sweete, award-winning cinematographer John Minh Tran and award winning editor Ryan J. Noth.

For more details on TURNING TABLES - https://www.turningtablesdoc.com/

Tickets for TURNING TABLES are $15 or can be purchased with a Hot Docs Festival pass. Tickets can be purchased the Hot Docs Cinema Box Office, 506 Bloor Street West, by phone (416-637-3123) or online HERE.

Tickets for the Turning Tables World Premiere After Party are $10 and available HERE or at the door.

TURNING TABLES Screenings:
Monday, April 30, 9pm at Scotiabank Theatre 3
Wednesday, May 2, 3pm at Scotiabank Theatre 7
Saturday, May 5, 6pm at Innis Town Hall

AFTERPARTY:
Saturday, May 5, 8pm - 11pm, One Loft, 292 College Street, Toronto Ontario

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