Star Wars (Anangong Miigaading), A New Hope: an alliance to revitalize the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language set to make its premiere August 8, 2024

The Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) version of Star Wars: A New Hope makes its debut August 8, 2024 at Centennial Concert Hall in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The dubbed version will make the Ojibwe language more accessible, particularly to younger generations who carry the knowledge of the community into the future.

The movie trailer uses behind-the-scenes and interview footage shot by UM Film Studies students Caden Nikkel, Isham Behl, Shubneet Bhatia and Ciara McLeod.

Cary Miller, Assistant Professor, Department of Indigenous Studies, served as one of the project leads and Patricia Ningewance, Assistant Professor, Department of Indigenous Studies, was the lead translator.

In December 2023, Lucasfilm, the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, APTN and the University of Manitoba reached an agreement to record a dubbed Ojibwe version of Star Wars: A New Hope.

The project brought together a wide range of talent and multigenerational Anishinaabe speakers to bring this version to life. The dubbing was done over a 10-day period in early May in Winnipeg with the final mix completed at Skywalker Sound. The project is supported in part by the Government of Canada through the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program from Canadian Heritage. Dougald Lamont helped launch this project in 2021 after proposing it to Pablo Hidalgo, a former Winnipegger and Lucasfilm executive as a language revitalization project in support of reconciliation.

Starting on August 10, the film will debut in limited release in Winnipeg and other select markets. Walt Disney Studios Canada is collaborating with exhibitors in Winnipeg and other select markets to offer free screenings for the community. The film will make its debut on Disney+ and APTN on a future date.

“Gi-ga-miinigoowiz Mamaandaawiziwin” (“May the Force be with you”).