![]() Known as the grandmother of Indigenous cinema, Merata’s independent political documentaries of the ‘70s and ‘80s highlighted injustices for Māori people, and often divided the country. The documentary is an intimate tribute from a son about his mother that delves into the life of the first woman from an Indigenous Nation to solely direct a film anywhere in the world. “Merata” resonates deeply because she is and was a mentor to so many Native and Indigenous filmmakers - Taika Waititi, Sterlin Harjo, Blackhorse Lowe, and Chelsea Winstanley. “Merata: How Mum Decolonized the Screen” New Zealand Herald Sean and Adrian’s story is different - they are a gay couple living Native life on the powwow trail.ĭupris provides a fresh and engaging look – one that captures the vibrancy of this centuries-old tradition and how it continues today in modern America. Dupri’s access takes us into their world, it’s refreshing. “Sweetheart Dancers” is a story about Sean and Adrian, a Two-Spirit couple determined to rewrite the rules of Native American culture through their participation in the “Sweetheart Dance.” This celebratory contest is held at powwows across the country primarily for men and women couples. Watch “Shimasani” on Vimeo “Sweetheart Dancers” (2019) – By Ben-Alex Dupris (Miniconjou Lakota) His films are unapologetic, raw – check out his features too. Lowe crafts a moving and brilliant story by Blackhorse Lowe, who continues to explore reservation life in his own unique voice. The majority of Americans have never heard of the boarding/residential schools many Native Americans and First Nations were forced into. One must choose to either stay at home or leave to go to boarding school. Shot in gorgeous black and white, this elegiac period piece set in 1934 captures a moment of decision for two restless Navajo sisters living with their grandmother on the reservation. Rae uses old Super 8 film, video footage and 16mm to paint this portrait of a man whose spirit never waned and a man who rose as an acclaimed musician and spoken word poet. Rae captures the tragedy that followed after Trudell burned the American flag at the FBI headquarters when his pregnant wife, children and mother-in-law were killed in an arson attack on the reservation. This documentary from Heather Rae traces Trudell’s impoverished childhood in Omaha to his leadership in the American Indian Movement (AIM). ![]() ![]() “Trudell” follows the extraordinary life of Native American poet and activist John Trudell. Watch “”Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner” on iTunes “ Trudell” (2005) – By Heather Rae And as a storyteller, Kunuk’s filmmaking and authenticity of capturing the Intuit people had a huge impact on the Native and Indigenous communities. Set in the Canadian arctic, the epic drama tells a story of love, crime, murder and ultimately family and justice. It also features an almost entirely Intuit cast. It’s the first feature film to ever be written and acted in the Inuktitut language. Watch “Four Sheets to the Wind” on Prime Video “Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner” (2001) by Zacharias Kunuk (Inuit) I don’t remember enjoying a film so much about contemporary Native life since 1998’s “Smoke Signals.” He is an incredible storyteller and the performances of actors, especially Tamara Podemski who plays Cufe’s sister, Miri, resonates. Sterlin Harjo’s feature debut will always be one of my favorites.
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