.A very different type of teen tale is explored in Canadian director Danis Goulet’s film Barefoot, which is getting its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The short film, shot in Goulet’s hometown of La Ronge, Sask., delves into the issue of teen pregnancy – but it’s not what you might expect.

“Teen pregnancy in northern communities is much more normal. The pregnancy rates are higher,” Goulet, now based in Toronto, told CBC’s Metro Morning.

“All of my little cousins growing up in the north and in Saskatchewan are for the most part having kids before they’re 20. I just found that very interesting,” she said.

“I’m not trying to judge that choice. It’s really more of a different cultural context that is outside the value system of mainstream Canada.”

As a filmmaker of Métis and Cree heritage, Goulet said she seeks to tell multifaceted tales.

“I don’t think there are stories being told … beyond a very simplistic representation [of aboriginal culture],” she said. “I feel very driven to tell stories that capture complexity and nuance.”

TIFF continues through Sept. 16.

Click on the audio link above to hear Goulet's interview with Matt Galloway on Metro Morning.