A new documentary by Jamie Elias called For Walter and Josiah looks into the grim suicide crisis affecting the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. The film highlights the events surrounding the death of 22 Native American young people in one year, including two high school basketball teammates, Walter, and Josiah. It is the remaining members of the team who, in the struggle with loss and in the process of recovering, were the ones who created this documentary.
Synopsis
In the gripping documentary, viewers are transported to the Flathead Indian Reservation, where an indigenous people’s life is marked with the traumatic experience of youth suicides. Walter and Josiah are the two main protagonists in this drama, both basketball players whose tragic deaths have a ripple effect throughout the team and community at large. During the next season, the film centers around the basketball team as they attempt to keep the memories of their deceased friends and improve their community with basketball.
Cast & Crew
- Director: Jamie Elias
- Producers: Kurt Anderson, Benjamin Blank, Trent Cooper, Jamie Elias, Addison Neville
- Production Companies: 72nd Street Entertainment, Braverman Films, Uproxx Studios
Awards & Recognition
Although there are no specific awards listed, the movie has been noted for its disturbing depiction of uncomfortable truth about Native Americans. Its release has been met with enthusiastic reviews after its premiere at several film festivals and has been described as a strong and moving piece of television.
IMDb Ratings
The documentary achieved remarkable success since it managed to acquire an IMDb rating of 8.8 out of 10.
Personal Insights
For Walter and Josiah shows the hard realities of life affecting Native American communities like youth suicide. The filmmakers, for instance, feature the basketball team in the mourning period as the footballer’s outpour of grief allows him to remember his friends. This documentary not only exposes the individual loss testimony but also reveals the other factors at systemic level which are making the situation worse and thus, providing a context which is worth disturbing yet immensely insightful.
Cultural Significance
It also seeks to combat an aspect that is often ignored, abuse and systemic oppression leading to suicide in Native American populations. Focusing on the individual experiences of Walter, Josiah and others in the team, helps the audience appreciate the statistics of the documentary in a different light and appreciate the cultural and societal dynamics that are at play.
Where to Watch
The film, For Walter and Josiah, can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, and Tubi TV platforms, and is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Video.