Star Wars: A New Hope: in the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language set to Premiere In August

The Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) version of Star Wars: A New Hope debuts on 8 August, 2024 at Centennial Concert Hall in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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.

Ellyn Stern Epcar directs the Ojibwe dub ad Michael Kohn produces. It stars Aandeg Jedi Muldrew (Luke Skywalker), Ajuawak Kapashesit (Han Solo), Theresa Eischen (Princess Leia), Dennis Daminos Chartrand (Darth Vader), Dustin Gerald Morrow Aagimewikamig (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Tomantha Sylvester Nimi Anungo Kwe (C-3PO), Jeff Monague Myiingan Minaakwhe (Grand Moff Tarkin), John-Paul Chalykoff (Uncle Owen), and Wanda Barker Giwedinoonz (Aunt Beru).

Partners in the project include Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council (DOTC), the University of Manitoba (UM), Disney/Lucasfilm, and APTN. Maeengan Linklater, Director of Operations (DOTC) and Cary Miller, Assistant Professor, Department of Indigenous Studies (UM) served as project leads. Patricia Ningewance, Assistant Professor (UM)/Lead Translator, Dennis Daminos Chartrand, Associate Translator, Brian Cochrane with Albert Owl regional translators led the translation. 

The project brought together a wide range of talent and multigenerational Anishinaabe speakers to bring this version to life. The dubbing ran over the course of 10 days in early May in Winnipeg. The final mix was completed at Skywalker Sound. The Government of Canada supported the project through the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program from Canadian Heritage

Dougald Lamont helped launch this project in 2021. This came about after proposing it to Pablo Hidalgo, a former Winnipegger and Lucasfilm executive. Lamont described it as a language revitalization project in support of reconciliation. 

Star Wars: A New Hope, (Anangong Miigaading) will make its debut on Disney+ and APTN. on a future date with more details coming soon.

ABOUT ANISHINAABEMOWIN

Anishinaabemowin, the language of the Anishinaabe nation. It is one of the oldest and most historically important Native American languages in North America. But it is in danger of becoming extinct if not passed on to a new generation. In earlier times, Tribe elders pass the language on orally to the younger members. In more recent times, this practice has fallen victim to outside influences.