The Spirit - Accarchives.org

cover photograph of cave near head waters of deep canyon by dawn wellman
The Festival of Native Film & Culture is like other
film festivals in many respects. One of those is always
having a great opening and closing night film. In
years past we have had Academy Awards nominees,
premiers, and unexpected surprises. And, like most
film festivals, we have our greatest attendance on
nights such as those.
Our festival also presents strong screenings in the
so-called “middle-section” – films that show on
Thursday and Friday – thanks to Guest Programmer
Elizabeth Weatherford, Founder and Director of the
Film and Video Center of the National Museum of the
American Indian. Elizabeth has an eye for quality and
a knack for spotting the up-and-coming new directors
in the indigenous film world. More importantly, her
perspective is both global and historical. She and I
share a common passion for short films, which is why
we have a Sunday 5 o’clock showing of short films.
Two sentences about any of these shorts would give
away too much information. So, come see Poi Dogs, The
Rocket Boy, and Search for the World’s Best Indian Taco, among
others. Some are subtley hilarious and the others silent but
poignant.
Thursday and Friday have very strong films. Thursday begins
with CBQM, a humorous look at a small-town Native radio
station. The evening film is Rabbit-Proof Fence – a classic
Australian work that parallels events experienced by Native
Americans. It is a poignant look at a government attempt to
control aboriginal people.
On Friday, our two main showings are Two Spirits and 2501
Migrants – finely crafted documentaries that evoke new
depths of appreciation for and understanding of gay/lesbian
and migrant issues experienced in the Native world. The
latter deals with migrants who leave their village in Oaxaca
and how their return impacts the village. It is an artist’s
perspective of that cultural impact on his life and the lives of
other villagers.
I invite you to join us for what promises to be an engaging,
entertaining, and enlightening festival!
Michael Hammond, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Wapawekka
Still photos from two short films part of
Visionaries: Short Films by Native Directors
on Sunday, March 5
2