Watch the Trailer for Toronto Player ‘So Surreal: Behind the Masks’: About Ancient Native Artwork’s Influence on Surrealism and the Difficulties of Repatriation (EXCLUSIVE)

Serial Maven Studios has given Variety exclusive access to the trailer for Neil Diamond and Joanne Robertson’s “So Surreal: Behind the Masks,” a Native American documentary world premiering at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

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The film follows Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond (“Reel Injun,” “Red Fever”) as he studies the anthropological connection between Yup’ik and Northwest Coast ceremonial masks and surrealist artists inspired by them.

A deep dive into the tremendous influence that historical native artwork continues to have among contemporary artists, the film also shines a light on the complex process of repatriation and why it’s important that Indigenous communities have access to their cultural artifacts that are regularly kept in museums and private collections.

What starts as an exercise to examine complex issues quickly takes on a practical dimension when Diamond becomes involved in a quest to help return a Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw ceremonial mask to its rightful owners.

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“So Surreal: Behind the Masks” is produced by Rezolution Pictures, an Indigenous-owned production company working to change the way that diversity and representation are recognized in the entertainment industry. Among the company’s most significant successes over the past quarter-century are the Emmy-nominated special “Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World” and “Reel Injun,” which won Gemini and Peabody Awards.

“We are excited to partner with award-winning Rezolution Pictures,” says Serial Maven Studios’ Solange Attwood. “By joining forces with them, we aim to ignite a conversation about cultural ownership and the profound impact of Indigenous art on Surrealism and bring this groundbreaking story to platforms worldwide.”

The feature was supported financially by the Canadian Media Fund, Quebec Production tax credits, Rogers Cable Network Fund, Documentary Channel, Rogers Documentary Fund, Canadian tax credits and CBC/Radio-Canada.

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