Sugarcane (2024): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Sugarcane is a 2024 documentary directed by Emily Kassie, starring Charlene Belleau, Ed Archie Noisecat and Julian Brave NoiseCat. It runs 1 hour 51 minutes and earned $134,257 worldwide. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 90 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 51m (111 min)
- Director
- Emily Kassie
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Fit Via Vi Film Productions
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Sugarcane About?
The premise of Sugarcane without spoilers.
This documentary explores the disturbing revelations of child abuse and disappearances uncovered at an Indian residential school. The investigation triggers a crucial examination of the Sugarcane Reserve, exposing long-hidden truths and prompting a community to confront a painful past.
Sugarcane Themes & Keywords
· 13 tags- residential school
- indigenous people
- native americans
- rape
- female rape victim
- rape victim
- male rape victim
- abuse by catholic priest
- sexual abuse
- school
- catholic church
- sexual abuse by priest
+1 more Show fewer
- cruelty
Sugarcane Cast
Charlene Belleau leads the cast, with Ed Archie Noisecat and Julian Brave NoiseCat. Directed by Emily Kassie; 5 actors are credited in all.
- Director Emily Kassie
- Charlene Belleau as themselves
- Ed Archie Noisecat as themselves
- Julian Brave NoiseCat as themselves
- Chief Willie Sellars as themselves
Also Starring in Sugarcane
· 1 more- Whitney Spearing Themselves
Sugarcane Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Sugarcane 90 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 90/100, strongest in sensory experience (92) and weakest in rewatch factor (75).
Sugarcane Echo Score Breakdown
Sugarcane delivers a compelling and affecting documentary experience that resonates on multiple levels. The film's direction and cinematography immerse viewers in expansive natural landscapes while underscoring the remoteness central to its themes. Its narrative weaves investigative rigor with powerful survivor testimonies, fostering both historical accountability and emotional investment. Moments of reflective pacing provide necessary context, even as they slightly temper narrative urgency. Overall, the documentary achieves a harmonious blend of artistry and purpose.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of art and craft, Sugarcane's visual and editorial choices stand out for their thoughtful restraint and expressive clarity. Expansive aerial and landscape imagery capture the natural environment's beauty while underscoring thematic isolation. Editing balances contemplative pauses with narrative momentum, allowing emotional testimonies to resonate without overwhelming viewers. The result is a disciplined yet evocative aesthetic.
- Character & Emotion 90
In terms of character and emotion, Sugarcane provides a deeply resonant exploration of survivor experiences. Harrowing first-person testimonies convey profound pain and enduring resilience, while moments of determined community solidarity underscore collective strength. The film's measured tone avoids sensationalism yet evokes a sustained emotional response. Overall, this dimension achieves a powerful balance between vulnerability and agency.
- Story & Flow 88
In terms of story and flow, Sugarcane delivers a clear and purposeful narrative that balances investigative detail with reflective context. The film charts historical injustices with logical progression and impactful revelations, interspersing archival material with contemporary testimony. Occasional contemplative pauses slow momentum but heighten thematic depth. Overall, the structure sustains engagement while fostering critical reflection.
- Sensory Experience 92
In terms of sensory experience, Sugarcane offers a richly immersive audiovisual presentation. A poetic score and nuanced sound design amplify spoken memories, while high-definition landscape cinematography emphasizes both natural splendor and underlying tension. The cohesive visual palette and measured sound levels create an enveloping atmosphere. Overall, the film achieves striking sensory cohesion that reinforces its themes.
- Rewatch Factor 75
In terms of rewatch factor, Sugarcane's weighty subject matter may limit frequent repeat viewings but leaves a lasting impression. Its thorough reconstruction of historical events and evocative testimonies ensure ongoing educational relevance, and the film's refined presentation supports repeat study. While viewers may pause between viewings, the documentary retains enduring appeal and advocacy value.
-
IMDb 7.0 /10
3971 votes
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 90 Metascore
User score 6.3
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 70% User score
See on TMDB
Sugarcane Box Office
Sugarcane grossed $134,257 worldwide. $124,927 came from the US and Canada and $9,330 (7%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$134.3K
- US & Canada
- $124.9K
- International
- $9.3K
Sugarcane Awards & Nominations
Sugarcane was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 2 nominations come from 2 ceremonies.
2 nominations2 ceremonies
-
DGA Awards 2025 1 nomination- Nominated Documentaries
-
Oscars 2025 1 nomination- Nominated Documentary Feature Film
Sugarcane Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.
- Featurette Sugarcane - 2024 Sundance Film Festival Winners
Sugarcane Also Known As
15 alternative titles, including “Sugarcane - Der Wahrheit auf der Spur” and “Sugarcane: Haudattu totuus”.
- Also known as
-
- Sugarcane - Der Wahrheit auf der Spur
- Sugarcane: Haudattu totuus
- 甘蔗
- Sugarcane: Az eltemetett igazság
- קנה סוכר
- 슈거케인
- Sugarcane: rozliczenie z przeszłością
- Sugarcane: Der Wahrheit auf der Spur
- Rezervace Sugarcane
- 加拿大原住民之殤
- Sugarcane: Înfruntarea trecutului
- Sugarcane : les ombres d'un pensionnat
+3 more Show fewer
- SUGARCANE/シュガーケイン
- Sugarcane: Sombras de um colégio interno
- Sugarcane: Koniec mlčania
Seen Sugarcane?
Movies Like Sugarcane
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Sugar Island, Killing the Indian in the Child and Amá.
Articles About Sugarcane
2 articles about Sugarcane. The latest: “The Ultimate 2025 Oscars Nominations Guide: Surprises, Snubs, and Must-Know Insights”.
Sugarcane FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Sugarcane, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Sugarcane?
Sugarcane runs 1 hour 51 minutes (111 minutes).
When was Sugarcane released?
Sugarcane was released on August 9, 2024.
Who directed Sugarcane?
Sugarcane was directed by Emily Kassie.
Who is in the cast of Sugarcane?
Sugarcane stars Charlene Belleau, Ed Archie Noisecat and Julian Brave NoiseCat, among 5 credited actors.
How much did Sugarcane make at the box office?
Sugarcane grossed $134,257 worldwide ($124,927 domestic, $9,330 international).
How is Sugarcane rated?
Sugarcane has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 90 on Metacritic and 70% on TMDB.
Was Sugarcane nominated for any awards?
Sugarcane received 2 nominations across 2 ceremonies.
Does Sugarcane have a post-credit scene?
No. Sugarcane has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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