March 4-8, 2009
Camelot Theatres
2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
WEDNESDAY, March 4
7:00 pm Opening Night Reception
8:00 pm
Frozen River (United States, Dramatic Feature)
In the days before Christmas, near a little-known border crossing on the Mohawk reservation between New York State and Quebec, the lure of fast money from smuggling presents a daily challenge to single mothers who would otherwise be earning minimum wage. Two women — one white and one Mohawk, both single mothers faced with desperate circumstances — are drawn into the world of border smuggling across the frozen water of the St. Lawrence River. Courtney Hunt’s remarkable first feature, and recipient of the the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival, is a deeply-emotional portrait of the strength that resides in family and the way hope in dire situations can be uncovered by courage and trust. Produced by Heather Rae (Cherokee), directed by Courtney Hunt, starring Jay Klaitz and Melissa Leo
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THURSDAY, March 5
5:00 pm
United States Premier!
Let My Whakapapa Speak (New Zealand, Documentary)
For over 25 years the Köhanga Reo movement has been the foundation for the survival of the Mäori language. The program’s design is based on a simple but powerful principle: total immersion for babies and preschoolers in Mäori language and values. Tainui Stephens’ new film passionately examines the life and times of the indomitable and unforgettable “Mother of the Köhanga Reo movement,” instructor Iritana Tawhiwhirangi, whose ferocious spirit for life and learning has helped give the Mäori world a strong traditional existence in the 21st Century. Directed by Tainui Stephens
River of No Return (Australia, Documentary)
This unforgettably original documentary captures the incredible cultural gap that exists between the western industrialized world and remote indigenous communities. The film focuses on the spirit and determination of one woman going up against insurmountable odds in order to follow her dream of becoming a movie star like her idol, Marilyn Monroe. Frances Djulibing, a 45-year-old Yolngu mother and grandmother, is forced to face the harsh reality that pursuing a career as an actor in the world of the balanda (white culture) may mean forsaking her traditional lifestyle. Directed by Darlene Johnson
7:00 pm Reception
8:00 pm
Summer Sun, Winter Moon (United States, Documentary)
When a Blackfeet poet striving to save his language and a quirky classical composer looking for inspiration are brought together by the Lewis and Clark expedition bicentennial, their collaboration results in a provocative, revisionist symphony that gives Native Americans center stage. The film is inspiring, funny, and entirely entertaining. Produced and directed by Hugo Perez
Kitocikew: One Who Makes Music (Canada, Documentary)
”As soon as you sing an Indian song or participate in an Indian ceremony, your ancestors are right there with you,” says Winston Wuttunee (First Nations, Cree), a self-titled “motivational entertainer” and Native music historian. Son of the fastest five-mile runner in the world, Winston’s life-mission has been to awaken new generations to their indigenous heritage. Whether it is through teaching traditional songs to the youth or sharing center stage with Agua Caliente Cultural Museum favorite Andrea Menard, Wuttunee has a very special way of harnessing the transformative powers of music to inspire us all. Written and directed by Jim Compton
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FRIDAY, March 6
A focus on films that look closely into Native American environmental issues.
5:00 pm
River of Renewal (United States, Documentary)
Through the eyes of a “sidewalk” Yurok/Karuk Indian, award-winning filmmaker Carlos Bolado offers an eye-opening, and often searing, investigation into the volatile environmental crisis of the Klamath Basin bioregion in Oregon. When the competing demands for clean water, food, and energy pit Native American communities against local commercial fishermen, farmers, and politicians, a truly dramatic struggle for maintaining traditional life and land practices ensues. The bold camera work captures the final solution: conservation based on ancient Native wisdom and respectful environmental practices. Directed by Carlos Bolado, written/produced by Stephen Most, and narrated by Jack Kohler
Power Paths (United States, Documentary)
Can America truly achieve energy independence and can Native American nations take the lead in renewable energy? Bo Boudart’s fascinating new film reveals answers to these questions through the eyes of the Navajo, Hopi, and Lakota Sioux people who, while still facing severe challenges in the long history of environmental injustices of their land, opt to introduce renewable energy projects into their communities through grassroots movements. Directed by Bo Boudart and narrated by Peter Coyote
7:00 pm Reception
8:00 pm
Before Tomorrow (Canada, Dramatic Feature)
This compelling story of an Inuit woman demonstrates that human dignity is at the core of life from beginning to end as she faces the ultimate challenge of survival. It is 1840 and some Inuit tribes still have never met any white people. This film is the first feature from Igloolik Arnait Video Productions Collective which has been gathering Inuit women’s stories since 1991 and addresses the issues faced as new forces meet with tradition. Directed by Marie-Héléne Cousineau and Madeline Piujuq Ivalu and starring Madeline Piujuq Ivalu and Mary Qulitalik
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Saturday, March 7
5:00 pm
Club Native (Canada, Documentary)
What role does bloodline and culture play in determining identity? Tracey Deer’s candid and deeply moving film follows four strong-willed women who are determined to obtain their rightful “membership” into their tribe even if it means facing severe emotional and politically exclusionary attitudes of the community they wish to join. The immaculate handling of painful, frustrating, and confusing subject matter is as remarkable as the complex struggles suffered to secure the right to belong. Written and directed by Tracey Deer (Mohawk)
7:00 pm Reception
8:00 pm
West Coast Premier!
We Shall Remain: Trail of Tears (United States, Dramatic Feature)
The Cherokee would call it Nu-No-Du-Na-Tlo-Hi-Lu (The Trail Where They Cried). Despite building a strong Cherokee Nation with a European-style legislature, laws, schools, and great affluence, on May 26, 1838, federal troops forced thousands of Cherokee from their homes in the southeastern United States, driving them toward Indian Territory in eastern Oklahoma. More than 4,000 died of disease and starvation along the way in what has become known as the “Trail of Tears,” one of the most savage acts of aggression in American Indian genocide. Produced by WGBH Public Television, directed by Chris Eyre (Cheyenne/Arapaho), starring Wes Studi (Cherokee)
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Sunday, March 8
5:00 pm
A Celebration of Native Short Films (International Submissions, Various Genres)
A short film is usually defined as lasting less than 59 minutes. The Festival of Native Film & Culture has shown, over its seven-year history, a variety of evocative short films that captured the imagination of the audiences, brought tears of sorrow and joy to the eyes of viewers, and left many with much to reflect on. This adventurous short film program celebrates the artistry of Native and aboriginal storytellers who offer new perspectives on their traditional cultural heritages.
7:00 pm Closing Night Reception
8:00 pm
Older Than America (United States, Dramatic Feature)
In this powerful, razor's-edged, modern-day suspense tale, a young Native American woman follows a twisted path to uncover the truth about the abuses suffered by her family members at the hands of the local government and church officials. Truths of the past come to light in a series of haunting visions in this absorbing thriller about the lasting impact of cultural genocide. Directed by Georgina Lightning (Cree) and starring Adam Beach (First Nation, Saulteaux), Tantoo Cardinal (First Nation, Cree), and Wes Studi (Cherokee)
All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy in film descriptions and credits. Any errors or omissions are unintentional.
In keeping with the Museum's mission of education and community outreach, ticket prices for the Festival are very reasonably priced. All screenings are $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for seniors (55+) and children/youth (16 and under). This has been made possible through underwriting provided by generous sponsors.
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