Manitoba Government Supports World Premiere of Star Wars (Anangong Miigaading): A New Hope

August 8, 2024

The Manitoba government is providing $25,000 to sponsor the world premiere of the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) version of Star Wars: A New Hope (Anangong Miigaading) on Aug. 8 at the Centennial Concert Hall, Premier Wab Kinew, minister responsible for Indigenous reconciliation, announced today.

“It’s exciting to know that Anishinaabemowin is one of the six million forms of communication C-3PO is fluent in,” said Kinew. “My hope is that this initiative inspires other creators to produce content in First Nations, Métis and Inuit languages that support the preservation of Indigenous languages.”

The premier noted the project brought together multigenerational Anishinaabemowin speakers to serve as advisors and performers. The voiceover work was done in Winnipeg, with the final mix completed at director George Lucas’ Skywalker Sound in California.

The Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, APTN and the University of Manitoba (UM) partnered with Disney/Lucasfilm to create the dubbed Anishinaabemowin version of the 1977 film.

The world premiere event will bring together all the project partners to acknowledge the importance of Indigenous language revitalization efforts and partnership with cultural entertainment institutions. The film will debut in limited release in other select markets starting on Aug. 10.

The grant supports associated costs for the movie premiere event and will strengthen Indigenous language revitalization, in alignment with commitments made in the 2024 throne speech to support Indigenous reconciliation initiatives, the premier said.

“Having the language featured in a Star Wars movie will go a long way in building pride, awareness and knowledge of the language across our communities as well as help our youth see our languages as part of an exciting future,” said Cary Miller, associate professor of Indigenous studies, UM and project manager, Star Wars Anangong Miigaading. “This is the first proof of concept – not the last.”

Walt Disney Studios Canada is collaborating with exhibitors in Winnipeg and other select markets to offer free screenings, the premier noted. The film will make its debut on Disney+ and APTN on a future date.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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