Alberta actor Gerald Auger believes he carries a great responsibility to protect his aboriginal heritage – and he’s proud his award-winning short film Lost Face does just that.
“I have a worldwide following. I have to be very careful about the stereotypes that are out there about indigenous people,” said Auger. “(Lost Face Director) Sean Meehan wanted to be authentic and respect the language of who we are as a people. That’s rare in Hollywood.”
Lost Face was awarded first prize last week at the Calgary International Film Festival’s Alberta Spirit gala. The graphic 14-minute film, shot in at Fisher Ranch near Millarville, was adapted from a classic 1910 short story by author Jack London about a power play between a chief named Makamuk and a desperate fur thief.
It made its debut earlier this year at the famed Cannes Film Festival and Meehan has since earned high praise for his tight and intense storytelling style.
Auger, who grew up on Bigstone Cree Nation and is of Woodland Cree descent, said it was an honour to share his latest project with an audience so eager to celebrate homegrown talent.
“It’s a blessing … I’m an Alberta boy,” he said. “It’s my home province, my homeland.”
Auger’s impressive film and television resumé dates back nearly 20 years, including roles in Blackstone, Hell on Wheels and Steven Spielberg’s mini-series Into the West. Auger recently returned to the business after a self-imposed sabbatical, saying he chose to take a break from the hectic pace of Hollywood until he could be sure he was still on the right spiritual path.
“Hollywood is intense – it can take your soul, take your spirit, if you’re not balanced,” he said. “You have to recognize Creator’s presence to hear Creator’s grace.”
Next for Auger is a still-secret project about ‘a new league of super heroes.”
Lost Face screens at the Edmonton International Film Festival on Oct. 6 and the Miami Short Film Festival in November.
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