Empire of Dirt

A well crafted family drama.
-Chris Knight, The National Post
Empire of Dirt tells a traditional mothers-and-daughters story in a new way by making their Cree heritage and the role it has in their lives and relationships the true heart of the drama.
-Linda Barnard, The Toronto Star

Synopsis

Going home was never an option for single mother Lena Mahikan (Cara Gee). But when her 13-year-old, Peeka (Shay Eyre) overdoses in the streets of Toronto, she is forced to return home to her estranged mother and face a life-long legacy of shame and resentment. Empire of Dirt is a story about second chances and summoning the power of family to soothe the pain of cyclical damage.

Theatrical Release Date

Friday, November 22, 2013
Original Languages: English
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 99 min.
Year: 2013

CREDITS

CAST
Jennifer Podemski
Barbara Gordon
Cara Gee
Shay Eyre
DIRECTED BY
Peter Stebbings

TRAILER


PHOTOS

Mother (Cara Gee) plays pool with daughter Peeka (Shay Eyre) in Empire of Dirt. Photo by Jason Jenkins. Courtesy of Mongrel Media.
Minnie (Jennifer Podemski) & Lena (Cara Gee) in Empire of Dirt. Photo by Jason Jenkins. Courtesy of Mongrel Media.
Empire of Dirt Director Peter Stebbings. Photo by Jason Jenkins. Courtesy of Mongrel Media.
Russell (Luke Kirby) and Peeka (Shay Eyre) share their first father daughter moment in Empire of Dirt. Photo by Jason Jenkins. Courtesy of Mongrel Media.
Angel (Shannon Kook-Chun) seduces Peeka (Shay Eyre) in Empire of Dirt. Photo by Jason Jenkins. Courtesy of Mongrel Media.
Peeka (Shay Eyre) and her mother Lena (Cara Gee) in Empire of Dirt. Photo by Jason Jenkins. Courtesy of Mongrel Media.
Lena (Cara Gee) and Peeka (Shay Eyre) in Empire of Dirt. Photo by Jason Jenkins. Courtesy of Mongrel Media.
Lena (Cara Gee) consoles her teen daughter Peeka (Shay Eyre) in Empire of Dirt. Photo by Jason Jenkins. Courtesy of Mongrel Media.
Minnie (Jennifer Podemski) and Peeka (Shay Eyre) in Empire of Dirt. Photo by Jason Jenkins. Courtesy of Mongrel Media.
Lena (Cara Gee) in Empire of Dirt. Photo by Jason Jenkins. Courtesy of Mongrel Media.
Behind the scenes: Peter Stebbings (Director) and Luke Kirby (Russell) joke around on the set of Empire of Dirt. Photo by Jason Jenkins. Courtesy of Mongrel Media.