(1988, 2023, 70 minutes)

The Squamish Five were a group of militant anarchists from the West Coast who were involved with a number of violent direct actions that occurred across Canada in the early 80’s – their actions constituted the most radical political protest in Canada since the October crisis. Key actions included protests against the then Liberal (Pierre Trudeau) Government support of the U.S. Cruise Missile Tests in Northern Alberta and the manufacturing of the guidance system of the Cruise Missiles by Litton Industries of Ontario, other environmental concerns, and feminist / gender issues.

Hockenhull’s film employs a non-linear narrative, incorporating Brechtian dramatic sequences, news footage, and innovative cinematic techniques. It challenges traditional documentary forms by refusing to present a singular, authoritative perspective. Instead, it floods the viewer with a dense array of images and sounds, encouraging independent judgment and interpretation. This method underscores the manipulation and control of information dissemination in society, questioning the supposed objectivity and reality claimed by traditional documentary cinema.

Artist Statement written in 1988:
DETERMINATIONS poetic and humanistic stance is bounded by a hard edged, and unashamedly intellectual political awareness. Legendary Punk Bands D.O.A. and The Subhumans contributed music to the piece. It seems to me that we make ineffectual fools of ourselves when we take lightly the measures of human stupidity and human greed that has brought the natural world to its present untenable degradation. We have all had our laugh concerning the folly of our predicament. Is it not better that we let out a shout to prevent the apocalyptic programs of mass destruction and ecological suicide from happening than to let out a whimper once it has occurred?

Director and Producer: Oliver Hockenhull

Quality Digital Print available for screenings, gallery presentations and exhibitions.