2016 Soo Film Festival Logo
  • SOO FILM FESTIVAL
  • Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
  • Sept 16-18, 2016

A Difference of Rights

Documentary Feature, 1980, 58 min, English, U.S., Not rated

Still: A Difference of Rights
Special Events

Includes a special post-film Q&A with filmmaker BILL BLANCHARD.

In addition, starting at 5:00 p.m., the filmmaker’s paintings of people and scenes from the movie will be on display in the Cultural Library, located in the Sault Tribe Administration building across the street from the Soo Theatre.

Also, at 7:00 p.m. there will be a reception, also in the Cultural Library, in which Sault Tribe Chairperson Aaron Payment will be sharing a taste of Wilcox's Fish House Whitefish spread, with crackers and vegetables.

About the Film

Does an 1835 treaty make Michigan Indians exempt from state fishing laws?

Has unregulated Indian fishing destroyed the fishery for sport fishing?

Should the State of Michigan control fishing in the interest of good management?

Is the controversy another example of broken treaty promises with Native Americans?

This 1980 film explores the history of the treaties, the interpretation by modern courts, and the claims made by sportsmen, Indians, and state officials. In the end, you will understand the commercial fishing business and the sport business, but you will have to weigh contradictory claims and judge them for yourself. The film does not take sides or offer judgments. It simply exhibits the evidence.

“Gill Net Film Not Bad Catch…As a piece of movie-making, it’s remarkably good…A handsome film, the photography is crisp, sometimes gorgeous.” - Mike Hughes, film critic for the Lansing State Journal.

Great Lakes connection:

Native American treaty fishing rights in Michigan on the Great Lakes.

Cast & Crew:

Director: Bill Blanchard
Producer: Bill Blanchard
Screenwriter: Bill Blanchard
Cinematographers: Christine Fecteau and Mark Eifert
Editor: Steve Heldt
Composers: Keith Axtel, Michael Carenbauer, Roger Humphrey, Ray Kamalay, Jeff Sipe, Lorne Watson

Director’s Bio:

Award-winning filmmaker and teacher, Bill Blanchard, is a lifelong Lansing resident.

Buy Tickets

The 2014 festival is closed. See you next year!

Screenings

Friday, August 1, 8pm
Soo Theatre

Not rated
Documentary
1980
58 min
English
Country of Origin: U.S.

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