MUSIC+SOUND AWARDS 2023 WINNER SPOTLIGHT
BEST SYNC IN A FILM
BEST SYNC IN A FILM
Fancy Dance
Supervision: Sean Mulligan + Victoria Beard at Wilders, Toronto
Track 1: MMIW (Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women) Honor Song by Otterail (Alexander Santos)
Track 2: Sky World by Teioswáthe (Theresa Monica Fox)
Director: Erica Tremblay
Music Supervisors, Sean Mulliagn + Victory Beard, at The Wilders in Toronto, sealed the win this year for The Music+Sound Awards Best Sync in a Film. Their beautiful syncs on Erica Tremblay’s Fancy Dance captured hearts.
The film follows the search for a missing native women on the Seneca–Cayuga Nation Reservation by her sister Jax and daughter Roki, while Roki prepare for the annual powwow she would perform at with her mother. At the risk of losing custody of Roki to Jax’s white father, the pair hit the road to track down Roki’s mother in time for the powwow.
Written by Erica Tremblay (Reservation Dogs) and Miciana Alise, being Tremblay’s directorial debut, and premiering at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival in dramatic competition.
In this ending scene, Roki runs from her auntie Jax as the two are fleeing the police, and is found at the powwow hoping to find her mother there. Jax has since learned that Roki’s mother was found murdered. Jax dances with Roki signifying her taking over the role of mother to Roki.
This scene deftly weaves music from the powwow performers, Ottertrail with score by Samantha Crain and end titles song by Teioswáthe, written by Theresa ‘Bear’ Fox.
“As the music team we are proud to have been able to include music from 24 native tribes—something that was important to our director—including songs by: Snotty Nose Rez Kids, RAAQEL, Naát’áaníí Means, Nimkish, City Natives, B-Noq, Bigg Caeser… including several Canadians.” - Wilders
