Mi’kmaq filmmaker Bretten Hannam approached Wolastoqiyik composer Jeremy Dutcher, known for his Polaris and Juno awards, to compose the soundtrack for his latest film, “Sk+te’kmujue’katik (At the Place of Ghosts).” Dutcher felt honored by the trust placed in him to intertwine his music with the film’s narrative.
The movie blends supernatural horror and thriller elements, following two Mi’kmaq brothers, Mise’l and Antle, portrayed by Blake Alec Miranda and Forrest Goodluck, as they venture into a mystical ancestral forest to confront an evil entity. Throughout their journey, they rediscover their roots and strengthen their bond.
Key themes of intergenerational trauma, identity, and family dynamics are prominently featured in the film, with Dutcher’s score effectively conveying emotions of anguish and suspense. The composer emphasized the film’s underlying tension and the gradual revelation of the characters’ deep traumas.
Navigating the balance between beauty and horror in the score presented a unique challenge for Dutcher, given his background in classical and operatic music. To capture the desired atmosphere, he experimented with dissonant sounds and collaborated with improvisers, including drummer Mili Hong, who innovatively used underwater drumming to enhance a pivotal scene.
The film’s score has already garnered recognition, winning the Best Atlantic Original Score at the Atlantic International Film Festival. Additionally, Hannam was honored as the Best Atlantic Director, and Guy Godfree received the award for Best Atlantic Cinematographer.
While Dutcher’s personal music usually reflects his individual vision, composing for the film allowed him to push his creative boundaries. Drawing inspiration from archival Mi’kmaq landscapes, Dutcher incorporated ancestral voices into the score, despite not being Mi’kmaq himself, underlining the interconnectedness between their tribes and shared landscapes.
The film’s significant incorporation of the Mi’kmaq language resonated deeply with Dutcher, reflecting his own cultural experiences and the preservation of endangered languages. The experience of contributing to a project rooted in Mi’kmaq heritage further strengthened his connection to the film’s narrative and themes.
