Queer Indigenous Sex Workers Navigate Chaos in Vancouver

Seventeen, a new indie drama from first-time director Justin Ducharme, offers a raw, hyper-realistic portrayal of three Indigenous queer sex workers in Vancouver. The narrative unfolds over 17 critical hours, focusing on their intertwined lives and fierce determination to survive within the city's challenging Eastside neighborhood.

The film centers on Tamara, played by Nizhonniya Austin, who has 10 hours to locate her passport to prevent deportation to the U.S. December, portrayed by Aalayna, urgently attends to her family on the reserve who are mourning her recently deceased father. Simultaneously, Aiden, played by Taio Gélinas, must quickly earn money as a male prostitute to secure a deposit for an apartment.

Director Ducharme, drawing from his own experiences, aims to showcase contemporary Indigenous characters who navigate and exist alongside complex systems, forging their own paths. These characters rely on their sharp survival instincts and the chosen family they build in the city, as deep-seated racial discrimination and a lack of familial support leave them with few safe options.

Seventeen is set against the backdrop of Vancouver, a Canadian West Coast city where migration and housing are significant political concerns. The film's world premiere is set for September 14, 2026, at the Toronto Film Festival. Ducharme emphasizes his goal is to foster human connection and compassion by depicting these individuals as deserving of love and support.