Animated doc by 2 brothers from Shamattawa, Man., to premiere at Sundance Film Festival

Endless Cookie: A Story of Family, Identity, and Resilience

The concept for Endless Cookie initially seemed simple: two half-brothers, one Indigenous and the other white, sharing stories about their contrasting upbringings through the magic of animation. However, as Seth and Peter Scriver embarked on this journey nine years ago, they quickly realized that capturing their raw and authentic experiences was far from easy.

The documentary, set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, is a reflection of the brothers’ complex relationship, starting from the late 1970s when Peter left the First Nations reserve of Shamattawa to live with their father in Toronto. Animated in Seth’s unique hand-drawn style, Endless Cookie embraces the imperfections of its storytelling, incorporating everyday sounds and interruptions that add to the texture of the narrative.

The film delves into the Scriver brothers’ personal lives, with their families and pets making spontaneous appearances throughout the storytelling process. Despite its comedic elements, Endless Cookie also touches on poignant topics such as the impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities and the lack of access to clean drinking water in First Nations reserves like Shamattawa.

Peter recounts his culture shock when he first moved to Toronto as a child, highlighting the stark differences between life in the city and his upbringing in the remote wilderness. Seth, on the other hand, reflects on the disparities in their identities and backgrounds, acknowledging the complexities of their shared history.

While the documentary carries layers of tragedy and challenges, it also exudes a sense of hope for the future. Peter expresses his optimism for the growing visibility of Indigenous stories and the dismantling of stereotypes and misconceptions that have plagued Indigenous communities for generations.

The title, Endless Cookie, pays tribute to Peter’s daughter, Cookie, and the arduous journey of bringing the project to fruition. The Scriver brothers, alongside Peter’s children whose voices are featured in the film, are thrilled to showcase their work at Sundance, a milestone that seemed almost surreal at times.

As they prepare for the festival, navigating logistical hurdles like obtaining a passport for Peter after decades, the Scrivers reflect on the significance of their documentary. Through laughter and reflection, they celebrate the resilience of their family and the power of storytelling to bridge cultural divides and spark meaningful conversations.

Endless Cookie is not just a film; it’s a testament to the enduring bonds of family, the complexities of identity, and the unwavering spirit of resilience in the face of adversity. Join the Scriver brothers on their journey as they invite audiences to experience the joy, pain, and beauty of their shared history.