AKWESANE -- The 2016 film “Keepers of the Game”, a New York Times “critics’ pick,” that tells the story of the Salmon River girls’ lacrosse team, will close Snowtown Film Festival Saturday, Jan. 28 in Watertown

The screening starts at 7:45 p.m. with a panel discussion with the women featured in the film to follow from 9-10 p.m.

Lacrosse was born in Akwesasne Mohawk Territory as a sacred game traditionally reserved for men. “Keepers of the Game” is set just off the reservation at Salmon River High in Fort Covington, where an all-native girls lacrosse team comes together seeking to be the first native women’s team to bring home a Section Championship. The girls fight to blaze a new path for the next generation of Native women, while still honoring their people’s tradition in a changing world.

The film premiered at the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival last spring and the team was showcased on the red carpet in New York City.

New York Times’ film critic Andy Webster says the film "sings women and lacrosse.” In addition to Salmon River, a number of North Country high schools are featured throughout the film.

Snowtown Film Festival, in its third year, celebrates winter and Northern New York through film. The weekend’s activities include official film selections and filmmaker panels, as well as a short film competition and award ceremony.

All access passes are $10. Tickets are available online or can be purchased at the event while supplies last. Info: http://www.snowtownfilmfestival.com/.