'Long Lance' takes six wins

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A National Film Board documentary about the life and times of Chief Buffalo Child Long Lance walked away with six awards at this year's AMPIA awards ceremony.

Long Lance, portrayed by Indian actor Edmund Manybears of Edmonton, is the main character from a book of the same title which was written by Donald B. Smith, a University of Calgary professor.

Although the categories won by Long Lance are not nearly as prestigious as those won by Loyalties, they are no less awards to be proud of. One must take the matter into context. The major difference between the two films is that Long Lance is a documentary and Loyalties is a drama which automatically gives it a much higher profile and which has better box office appeal.

Accepting the awards for Long Lance was Jerry Krepakevick, producer and associate director. In his acceptance speech, he thanked Smith for writing the novel and also mentioned that the film would "never have been possible had Long Lance himself never existed."

Apart from best documentary, Long Lance also received AMPIA awards for best director and script for a documentary, best cinematography, score and editing.