Animated film in Wolastoqey language aims to explore mental health in kid-friendly way

A troubled fox finds an unlikely friend in a tiny, mischievous demon in the latest piece from a Wolastoqew storyteller.

Qaqsoss naka Wahantuhsis, an animated film that will premiere later this month in Miramichi N.B., is told entirely in the Wolastoqey language.

Tara Audibert from Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick wrote, produced and directed the film and describes it as an exploration of trauma, mental illness and the journey of confronting personal demons in order to find healing. 

"It's an important story that's hard to talk about with children, but from my perspective, it's something that should be talked about," she said.

The film follows Qaqsoss, a red fox, as she struggles with inner turmoil and takes refuge in a dark forest to escape a pack of wolves.

There, she encounters Wahantuhsis, a tiny demon. Initially at odds with each other, the pair gradually form a bond as they journey through an underworld together.

Despite working with just a third of the budget of a typical low-budget feature film, Audibert credits her team of nearly 40 artists and animators for their dedication to the project. 

Adrian Francis, who is Mi'kmaw from Esgenoopetitj First Nation, voices Wahantuhsis, the tiny demon character who speaks mainly through sounds – hiccups, screeching, growls and more.

One of the film's most touching moments, Francis says, is when Qaqsoss and Wahantuhsis share a meal. The pair who have had a few negative interactions are finally able to drop their walls and bond over the food they share. 

"No matter the geographical location or what language you speak, I mean, food always tends to bring us together as human beings," said Francis.

Francis showed the film to his 10-year-old son and said he was moved when his son asked, "Dad, could I be a voice actor?"

"I'm so happy and proud; I told him, 'You can do whatever you want,'" said Francis. 

Beyond its themes, the film contributes to the preservation of the Wolastoqey language, with scripting entirely in Wolastoqey – a language with an estimated less than 100 fluent speakers.

At the heart of this effort is Carole Polchies, who both translated the script and narrated the film.

One of only two fluent speakers in Woodstock First Nation, she sees the project as a vital part of revitalizing the language.

"We're getting older," she said.

"I'm 88 going on 89 and the other speaker is 90 already. We have to start taking responsibility for our language."

Polchies is a language teacher in her community. She was able to bring a handful of her students into the film, casting them as young foxes listening to the narrator's story. 

"Ninety-five per cent of our culture is in the language," said Polchies.

"If you have your language, you've got everything."

Qaqsoss naka Wahantuhsis will feature subtitles in English, French and Wolastoqey.

The film premieres April 19 at the Miramichi Cineplex, screening in Wolastoqey with English subtitles.