A new comedy series named Rez Cops, conceived three years ago in a quiet Indigenous community, is set to debut this Saturday with a public screening at Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. The team at Kettle Point Productions, creators of the six-episode show, aimed to bring humor and shed light on lives rarely portrayed on screen.
Christina Clark from Kettle Point Productions expressed, “We have amusing and thrilling stories to share.” The series, written and directed by Leigh George, revolves around a zealous new police recruit finding himself in his home reserve precinct. George explained, “He envisioned a life of adventure and action, but instead ended up in this tranquil town.”
Rez Cops will have its inaugural public screening at the Night Sky Theatre Indigenous Arts Festival on August 22 at the Kettle and Stony Point Pow Wow grounds, accompanied by food vendors, a round dance, and music. George emphasized, “Our goal is to showcase the positive aspects of life and depict a crime-free rez where characters focus on relationships rather than crime.”
To ensure authenticity and respect, the creators consulted with the Anishinabek Police Service in Kettle Point to ensure the show did not mock officers. George highlighted the importance of portraying resilience, humor, and healing through comedy within Indigenous communities.
The show premiere on Saturday serves as a token of appreciation to the supportive community that contributed to the production. With initial funding from the Ontario Arts Council and community donations, the series came to fruition, showcasing the community’s eagerness for such creative endeavors.
The festivities will kick off at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday, with free admission and the screening of six 10-minute episodes starting at 9 p.m. The community’s enthusiastic response and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in bringing Rez Cops to life.
