192. At the Place of Ghosts with director Bretten Hannam

Some critics have approached At the Place of Ghosts as either a horror movie or a psychological drama and found it wanting on those terms. But what if that's the wrong question? What if the more interesting question is what the film's horror elements allow it to do? In this episode, Alex Heeney explores how writer-director Bretten Hannam uses ghosts, hauntings, and a forest where memories persist to connect personal trauma to larger histories—and to imagine healing through relationships with family, ancestors, and the land. Then Alex sits down with Hannam to discuss Indigenous storytelling traditions, genre filmmaking, and the making of one of my favourite films of the year. Bretten Hannam is a Two-Spirit L'nu filmmaker living in Kespukwitk, Mi'kma'ki (Nova Scotia) where they were raised.  If you're interested in learning more about The Long Arc, check out episode 191: Great films ask for more than a binge. You can also find all the details on our website: 👉 Learn more about The Long Arc here You can reach Alex on Instagram @SeventhRow or via email at [email protected], if you have any questions.