Swift Current

Swift Current is a poignant and unvarnished tale of a man's tireless fight against his dark past and the struggles of his turbulent journey to redemption. Directed by Joshua Rofé, Swift Current debuted in 2016 to a warm reception from critics and audiences at various international film festivals. At the heart of the documentary is Sheldon Kennedy, a former Canadian professional hockey player who used his weathered past to become an outspoken advocate for sexual abuse victims.

Swift Current begins with Sheldon Kennedy's early life in Elkhorn, Manitoba, Canada, where his dream of playing professional hockey was born. From the onset, the film does an excellent job of capturing and articulating Kennedy's overwhelming passion for the sport. Much of his early childhood and adolescence was centered around his undying love for hockey, a love that was both wholesome and optimistic. Here was a young boy without a worry in the world, only a drive to succeed. That, however, drastically changes when Sheldon moves to Swift Current.

The film follows Sheldon as he's scouted to play junior hockey in Swift Current, a town in Saskatchewan, Canada. It's in Swift Current where the optimistic young boy's dreams take a destructive detour that ultimately ruins his innocence and jeopardizes his potential sterling career in the beloved sport. Swift Current delves into Sheldon's time playing for the Swift Current Broncos, the shadows that plagued him during that time, and the horrendous ordeal he was subjected to.

Beyond its exploration of Kennedy's past, Swift Current also offers a candid portrayal of the mental health issues he grapples with as a result of his trauma. The documentary sheds light on Sheldon's struggles with alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, and self-blame, capturing the immense personal toll his experiences took on his psyche.

Interlaced with the intense personal narrative, the appearance of notable personalities like former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Hockey Hall of Famer Lanny McDonald brings broader perspective and validation to Sheldon Kennedy's experiences. Harper and McDonald's addition adds a layer of complexity to the narrative and situates the story within the broader context of societal attitudes and responses to sexual abuse.

Similarly, the documentary also dives into Sheldon's tireless efforts in pushing for systemic changes within hockey organizations, the Canadian justice system, and society at large. It's his journey from victim to advocate that steers the narrative towards a powerful tale of resilience and courage.

In Swift Current, Rofé presents an uncompromising take on a difficult subject, guiding the audience through Kennedy's experiences with sensitivity and care. The documentary creates an open dialogue on sexual abuse and mental health, especially in an arena where such matters have often been swept under the rug or completely ignored. Above all, it's about Sheldon Kennedy's struggle to find solace, heal, and assist others on their healing journeys.

Through emotionally charged interviews and poignant storytelling, Swift Current isn't just a biographical account of Sheldon Kennedy; it's a call to society to wreck the silence that surrounds topics like sexual abuse and mental health. It details not only Kennedy's personal turmoil but also his endeavors to safeguard others from enduring similar experiences. Kennedy's crusade has been instrumental in driving reforms on how major institutions handle allegations of sexual abuse.

Rofé's storytelling in Swift Current is raw and visceral, never shying away from the truth and depicting Sheldon's life and journey with a touching honesty. Through its 85 minute runtime, the documentary makes its audience reflect, ponder and feel every stage of Sheldon Kennedy's life.

To sum it up, Swift Current is a harrowing put powerful documentary that explores Sheldon Kennedy's difficult journey from a rising hockey prodigy through sexual abuse and personal struggle to a strong advocate for victims of sexual abuse. With its frank but sensitive approach to taboos within professional sports and society, Swift Current pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved through a documentary film. It's an essential and urgent watch, pushing for change and standing up against sexual abuse.