Looking for films

[Freija]

I will be organising the first (?) Indigenous Filmfestival in Sweden this coming March, hoping to be able to promote films made by Native American filmmakers. (The kind of films that never reach Europe). We will have a mix of films, seminars and round the table discussions to get the truth out there....

Now I´m on the hunt for good Ndn-made films, not more than 2 years old. Features or documentaries or shorts.
Thought it would be a good way to ask in here since we´re all eager to educate and inform.

Any suggestion for films OR good contacts? 
Thanks!

[Camilla]

Hi Frejia

Probabbly you already know these links, still I post them, just in case...

I wish you a very very successfull work!

Camilla

http://www.aifisf.com/
http://www.nativenetworks.si.edu/eng/blue/nafvf_11.html
http://www.laskinsfest.com/

[Freija]

Thanks a lot, Camilla  

Will keep looking. Hard for me to know if the films are good or not.
But I hope to get some recommendations from Native people.

 

[Camilla]

I will ask also Gilbert if he is aware of anything worth

Have a nice day!

[Camilla]

Hi Freija

Hope you are doing fine.

As for films, I found these:

"THE INDIAN WITHIN", 2008, directed by Ryan Begay

"OLDER THAN AMERICA", directed by Georgina Lightning
www.olderthanamerica.com

I also found this link (thanks Alessandro! I found it on your blog), which is about the "Native Cinema Showcase 2008"

http://www.nativiamericani.it/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/ncs_08.pdf

and one more: "REEL INJUN" directed by Neil Diamond. It's about stereotypes

I have not seen these movies yet, but the topic (Residential/Boarding Schools) is so important, and the source is serious

I hope it can be of some use for you.

Take care!

Camilla

[Freija]

Thank you SO much for your help, Camilla!
I have already been in contact with the producers of Reel Injun - got it recommended to me by other Natives. The film would be great for discussing appropriation and cultural exploitation.

Unfortunately it would cost us 770 USD per screening. This is our first year, we are getting 800 USD to get the Festival going which is practically nothing and will be spent on travelcosts, we´d like to get some Samis to the festival. Everyone will work with this for free.

I now see why it´s difficult to get these kind of films screened over here.  I cannot quite understand it because we had to pay to get our film admitted to festivals. But big filmcompanies have different rules, I guess. Too bad.

I don´t quite know what to do, don´t want to give up on the idea. I am trying other alternatives. Everything is possible until it´s proven not to work. And then you´ve gotto try in another way....  

[wolfhawaii]

Have you considered setting up an online donation thing? A dollar or two from several thousand people can add up fast.

[critter - a white non-ndn person]

I'd donate a couple bucks.. sure thing!

[Freija]

I'd donate a couple bucks.. sure thing!

Aaawh, you guys are lovely 
Thanks!

We´ll see what we can do. I´m having a meeting today at the Museum of World Cultures, they will probably come onboard, too.

The thing is, we do not want to charge a ridicolous entrance fee. This event, including seminars, should be available for each and everyone, not just people with money. It´s the only way to reach the crowd.

The film about The Thirteen Grandmothers are going up here in our town next month. Too see the film and to participate in a seminar with meditations and ceremonies is 178 USD.  (Although not one single Grandmother is here, just participating by SKYPE). 

Anyway, will let you know how it goes. 

[Freija]

Another dream has come true! On the 10th March we´re organising the first Indigenous Filmfestival in Sweden - Native Vision Filmfestival. It will be an annual event (if I can help it) and hopefully expand to four, five days or a week. The goal is to educate and inform about Indigenous peoples by films, exhibitions, debates, seminars, music, dance etc.

I am so glad that we now have the City Council and the politicians with us. AND - above all - the Sami Association of my town, Göteborg. Above all, I am thrilled that the City has bought quite a few festivaltickets to be handed out to schools in order for the young generation to learn more about Native Americans and Samis.

Hopefully the coming years we´ll be able to invite Natives from other countries! The truth will get out there! 
(And yes, "Reel Injun" is on its way over to us from Montreal.)