SKINS
"A story of conflict between two Oglala Sioux brothers, Skins exposes the largely invisible side of American prosperity by humanising the scourge of alcoholism in dirt-poor Indian communities. The delicately rendered story's warm characterisations, gentle humour and spiritual undertones make it an affecting portrait of a wounded people." - Variety
Chris Eyre was introduced to MIFF audiences in 1999 with his dazzling Smoke Signals. His follow-up is the equally impressive story of two warring brothers. Rudy took the straight and narrow path joining the police force - as a Sioux he is never quite respected by his fellow officers and scorned by the local reservation Indians. Mogie went to Vietnam and returned broken, seeking solace in alcohol. When Rudy, frustrated by slow legal process, becomes involved in violent vigilante activity, he unwittingly drags his brother into a literal inferno.
"The brothers are tragic figures and their story is as cathartic and instructive as those of the classic heroes." - Film Journal International
Chris Eyre wrote and directed Tenacity (1994) while earning his Master's degree at NYU. Like all his films since, his debut opened at Sundance Film Festival. Eyre is currently writing a screen adaptation of bestseller The Spirit of Crazy Horse.