Vancouver-based production and distribution company Margin Films is prepping a documentary feature on an all-Indigenous stand-up comedy showcase.

Rez Comedy will double as a feature and a live showcase, set to be filmed at Vancouver’s Metro Theatre on June 15. The film is slated for a theatrical release in Toronto next year, according to a news release.

Keith Nahanee, who is from the Squamish Nation, and Margin Films’ Quentin Lee are co-directors and will also produce alongside Cindy Au Yeung.

Rez Comedy was originally put into development at APTN as a series but not approved for production.

Nahanee and Lee then decided that the project would move forward as an independent doc feature, financed by private equity and left over Canada Media Fund development funds, Lee told Playback Daily in a statement.

Rez Comedy spotlights eight Indigenous comedians, each delivering a 10-minute set that reflects their unique experiences.

Keith “Bubbas” Nahanee, Brenda Prince, Wayne Alexis, Janelle Niles, Helena Paul, Kevin Shawanda, Denise B. Mcleod, Colin Bird aka Chuck Cease and Drea Omer make up the lineup of comics.

Margin Films is distributing the film.

Image courtesy of Margin Films; pictured (L – R) Keith Nahanee, Brenda Prince, Wayne Alexis, Janelle Niles (top); Drea Omer, Colin Bird, Denise B McLeod, Kevin Shawanda, Helena Paul (bottom)