Director Wayne Wapeemukwa Says New Film ‘Manhunt’ Is “About Fascism”

Canadian filmmaker Wayne Wapeemukwa is calling his upcoming feature ‘Manhunt’ “a film about fascism,” describing it as a psychological drama that explores how themes of masculinity, isolation, and violence can breed extremist thinking.

The film is set to premiere in competition at the 2026 Locarno Film Festival next year. Rather than serving as a conventional true-crime thriller, Wapeemukwa said the project digs into the social conditions and emotional forces that drive young men toward violence.

‘Manhunt’ draws from the 2019 Northern British Columbia murders, a case that shocked Canada and drew international headlines. But Wapeemukwa is not interested in recreating the crimes as sensationalized entertainment. Instead, he uses the story to investigate the psychological alienation and political forces behind the violence.

The film follows Joey and Kit, two young men who leave their mundane lives for a road trip through Canada’s remote north, where their journey gradually spirals into deadly violence. Harris Lowe and Landon Tunold star in the drama, with Wapeemukwa and Anna-Lena Theobald co-writing the screenplay.

According to Wapeemukwa, fascism is not just a political label but a social condition born from loneliness, insecurity, and distorted ideas about masculinity. By examining these root causes, he hopes audiences will look beyond the crimes themselves to understand the broader societal issues at play.

The selection for the Locarno competition places ‘Manhunt’ among a competitive international lineup vying for the Golden Leopard award, signaling early industry interest in a film that combines real tragedy with urgent questions about contemporary politics and social polarization.