THUNDER BAY -- A feature film shot in northwestern Ontario will tell the story, based on a real-life event, of the survival of a young Ahishinaabe woman who was abandoned on Isle Royale over 170 years ago.
Angelique's Isle, written by Thunder Bay filmmaker Michelle Desrosier, is based on the novella Angelique Abandoned by James R. Stevens. It was awarded best screenplay at the 2015 Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards.
Julia Jones (Wind River, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn—Part 1 & 2, The Ridiculous 6, Hard Powder) plays the role of the 17-year-old central character who was left alone on Isle Royale with her Metis husband by a corrupt copper-hunter during the copper rush of 1845. Angelique finds her faith tested while she combats starvation, the harsh winter elements and the treacherous waters of Lake Superior.
Anticipated for release in the summer of 2018, the producers describe it as a story of love and survival. As Angelique struggles to cope, she finds solace in her spirituality, culture and connection to the land.
Co-directors Desrosier and Marie-Helene Cousineau, in a joint statement, said they are "thrilled to bring this unique and powerful true-to-life indigenous heroine's story to the big screen. It's part of our collective history, and we hope that it will inspire more untold indigenous stories."
Main unit principal photography for Angelique's Isle began last week on the production involving Circle Blue Media, Thunderstone Pictures and Freddie Films.
Production locations include Fort William Historic Park, the Cascades Conservation Area and Terrace Bay.
