SWEET SUMMER POW WOW – Darrell Dennis & Tatyana Rose Baptiste Interview

Hollywood North News got to sit down with the director and star of Sweet Summer Pow Wow.

Darrell Dennis, who also co-wrote the script with Katya Gardner, directed the romantic comedy. The film stars Joshua Odjick, Tatyana Rose Baptiste, Tanis Parenteau, Lisa C. Ravensbergen and Joel Montgrand.

A young Indigenous couple get a break from their troubled lives when they find each other through a summer of love on the Pow-Wow circuit.

Check out the trailer below.

Here is our review of the film

The interview coincides with the Canadian cinematic release of the film.

Darrell Dennis

Darrell Dennis is an actor, comedian, writer and director who began his acting career at the age of 17. His first major role was in CBC drama Northwood where he earned the lead role, Brian Potter. Dennis trained with the Second City improvisational theatre troupe in Chicago.

Darrell is a successful writer. His first play, “Trickster of Third Avenue East,” was produced by Native Earth Performing Arts, which twice named Darrell their “Writer-in-Residence”. The multi-talented actor made his feature directorial debut with The Great Salish Heist (read our review) in which he also starred.

Tatyana Rose Baptiste

Tatyana Rose Baptiste is a young actor beginning her career. She made her feature debut with Unforgettable Christmas, directed by John Bradshaw. Sweet Summer Pow Wow is her second feature and her first lead.

Here is the full interview.

Darrell Dennis and Tatyana Rose Baptiste spoke with us on a range of topics. The interview revealed some parallels between the cast and the characters, and we get to hear about some Pow Wow memories from both interviewees.

The discussion extends from the film to the rise of Indigenous voices in TV and film both in front of and behind the camera. Darrell spoke about creating roles for Indigenous talent that break through the stereotypes. Roles that include leads that will inspire the next generation of filmmakers.

You can check out more of interviews, including many featuring Canadian Talent by visiting our YouTube channel.