Trailer

Empire of Dirt (2013)

Drama

Like many Native families, Lena Mahikan grew up in the cycle of abuse. Her father, a residential school survivor, was an alcoholic until he killed himself when Lena was 10. Her mother, only 14 years her senior, turned to the slots. By the time Lena was 15, she was pregnant and, before giving birth, was kicked to the curb by her mom. The cycle continues and Lena is now watching helplessly as her own daughter, Peeka, spirals out of control, landing herself in the hospital following a drug overdose. As a final attempt at survival, Lena decides to return home and face her own mother and a past she’s desperate to escape.

Updated May 28 2020

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Keywords:

parent child relationship native american abuse

FACTS

Runtime: 99 mins Rating: 7.7

Cast

Barbara Gordon

Mrs. Armstrong

Luke Kirby

Russell Carter

Raoul Bhaneja

Dr. Gaffney

Jordan Prentice

Warren Fensky

Michael Cram

Doc Baker

Tony Nappo

Fisherman

Joris Jarsky

Neil

Jean Yoon

Tess