About The Film
Every meme has its story. #skoden delves into the origins of NDN country’s most iconic meme to redefine the man at the center of it all, Pernell Bad Arm.
In the early days of social media, a notorious image circulated of an Indigenous man with raised fists, ready to strike. The photo was initially shared to mock and reinforce stereotypes of Indigenous peoples, but one word added to the image would change it forever.
SKODEN – an Indigenous shortening of “let’s go then” – ignited an instant Indigenous pop culture icon that spread like wildfire across Turtle Island and beyond.
But underneath the viral fame was a kind and generous Blackfoot man from Kainai who faced immense challenges while living on the streets. This documentary seeks to reclaim Pernell’s humanity, offering a deeper, more complex portrait of the man behind the meme.
This is his story.
Director’s Statement
“Pernell’s story is more than just a meme; he was a person deserving dignity and respect. For me, that was the driving force behind #skoden — to reclaim his narrative and delve into the story behind that photo. I’m grateful to TELUS originals for supporting me on this journey so that this story could be told with the depth and respect it deserves.”
— Damien Eagle Bear, Director/Producer/Writer
Director’s Bio
Niitsitapi, Amateur physicist, Frybread-eating machine
Niitsitapi, amateur physicist, frybread-eating machine, Damien Eagle Bear is a multifaceted filmmaker from the Kainai First Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy.
Damien started with the short experimental documentary Napi, which asks the question, what will happen when the Blackfoot trickster gets behind the camera? The film premiered at the opening night of the 37th American Indian Film Festival in 2012, and since then, Damien has continued to expand his skillset from directing to producing, including premiering two films, q’sapi times and Big Momma at the Vancouver International Film Festival in the same year.
With his latest project, he returns to directing for the TELUS original feature documentary #skoden, which delves into the origins of NDN countries' most iconic meme to redefine the man at the center of it all.
Damien’s work explores the themes of belonging and Indigenous resiliency.
Follow him on Instagram to keep up to date with Damien’s films and screenings.
About TELUS originals
TELUS originals supports the production of compelling, locally-reflective, social-purpose documentaries and docuseries that connect mid-career and established filmmakers in B.C. and Alberta from diverse identities and communities to local and global audiences.
TELUS original films are available free on TELUS Optik TV channel 8, Stream+, online at watch.telusoriginals.com and in film festivals globally.
#skoden is a TELUS original production with the participation of Indigenous Screen Office and Creative BC.
