When Hydro-Québec announced its intention to proceed with the enormous James Bay II hydroelectric project, the 15,000 Cree who live in the region decided to stand up to the giant utility. With unprecedented access to key figures like Cree leader Matthew Coon Come and American environmental activist Robert Kennedy Jr., Power is the compelling, behind-the-scenes story of the Cree's five-year battle to save the Great Whale River and their traditional way of life.
Direction
Isacsson's fly-on-the-wall access to closed-door Cree strategy sessions.
Production
Rare footage of RFK Jr. before he went full conspiracy uncle.
Director
Magnus Isacsson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Great Whale project was officially shelved in 1994, but Hydro-Québec revived smaller components throughout the 2000s under different names.
This film captures a pivotal moment when indigenous land rights became central to North American environmentalism — a shift that peaked with Standing Rock two decades later.
CA
