Elijah (2008)
A powerful Canadian biographical drama chronicling the life of Elijah Harper, the Indigenous leader who changed the course of Canadian constitutional history.
Elijah - Movie Information
- Original Title: Elijah
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Paul Unwin
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, TV Movie
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 28, 2008 (Canada)
- Production Companies: Eagle Vision, Anagram Pictures
- Production Countries: Canada
Elijah - Plot
The story of Elijah Harper.....
Where to Watch Elijah
Looking for where to watch Elijah?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Elijah - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paul Unwin
Main Cast
- Billy Merasty
- Tina Louise Bomberry
- Lola Sanchez
- Currie Graham
- Glen Gould
- Gary Farmer
- Maury Chaykin
- Rachelle White Wind Arbez
- Gregory 'Dominic' Odjig
Writers
- Blake Corbet
Producers
- Christopher Leeson
- Lisa Meeches
- Gigi Boyd
Elijah - FAQs
Is Elijah based on a true story?
Yes, Elijah is based on the true story of Elijah Harper, a Cree-Ojibwe politician from Manitoba who became a national figure in Canada in 1990 when he single-handedly blocked the ratification of the Meech Lake Accord, arguing it failed to recognize Indigenous peoples' rights.
What did Elijah Harper do to block the Meech Lake Accord?
As a member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, Elijah Harper repeatedly withheld his consent — required under procedural rules — to extend the deadline for debating the Meech Lake Accord. His quiet but resolute 'No' effectively killed the constitutional agreement in June 1990, making him an icon of Indigenous resistance.
Who plays Elijah Harper in the film?
Elijah Harper is portrayed by Billy Merasty, a Cree actor and playwright. The supporting cast includes Tina Louise Bomberry as Elizabeth Harper, Currie Graham as Gary Filmon, Glen Gould as Phil Fontaine, Gary Farmer as Ray, and Maury Chaykin as Howard Pawley.
Where can you watch Elijah online?
Streaming availability for Elijah varies by region and platform. You can check current viewing options, including any subscription, rental, or purchase options available in your area, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information for this Canadian TV movie.
Who directed the 2008 film Elijah?
Elijah was directed by Paul Unwin, a British television director known for his work on dramatic productions. The screenplay was written by Blake Corbet, and the film was produced by Christopher Leeson, Lisa Meeches, and Gigi Boyd for Eagle Vision and Anagram Pictures.
What genre is the movie Elijah (2008)?
Elijah is a Drama and TV Movie. It is a biographical historical drama that chronicles the life and political journey of Elijah Harper, exploring themes of Indigenous identity, systemic racism, political resistance, and the ongoing struggle for recognition of First Nations rights in Canada.
How long is the film Elijah (2008)?
Elijah has a runtime of 90 minutes (1 hour and 30 minutes). The film was originally broadcast as a Canadian television movie on May 28, 2008, produced by Eagle Vision and Anagram Pictures in Canada.
What are movies similar to Elijah (2008)?
If you enjoyed Elijah, you may also appreciate similar films such as Skin (2008), Higher Learning (1995), Their Eyes Were Watching God (2005), Escape from Pretoria (2020), and Carter's Army (1975). These films similarly explore identity, race, resistance, and social justice across different cultural contexts.
More About Elijah
Explore further details about Elijah on these authoritative databases.