Nov 8th 2017

FNFVF FALL 2017 FILMS:

MEKKO (1:27:00) Feature Film
Mekko paints the portrait of a homeless Native American parolee in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As he struggles to find his way in the outside world after two decades behind bars, the titular Mekko discovers a chaotic yet occasionally profound and beautiful community of impoverished natives which now includes Bunnie, one of his old carousing buddies from his wilder youth. Though Mekko finds some peace in this society that exists on the fringes of our modern world, he also uncovers a darkness that threatens to destroy it from within. After a tragic series of events, Mekko dedicates himself to a quest for revenge which he believes will cleanse the sickness from this collective of marginalized individuals and perhaps atone for the sins that landed him in jail so many years ago.
Directed by: Sterin Harjo (Seminole-Muskogee)

We Are A Horse Nation (1:45:00) Feature Film
“We Are A Horse Nation” documents the relationship(s) existing and being built among the Oceti Sakowin (Lakota, Dakota, Nakota) peoples and the Sunka Wakan Oyate (Horse Nation). Stories, History, Traditional Songs and Culture tell the story of how people across the Oceti Sakowin lands are bringing the Horse back in to the center of their way of life. Focusing on the healing provided by the Sunka Wakan Oyate, this film provides a positive picture of life among the Lakota, Dakota & Nakota, and pays respect and honors the “Horse Nation”.
Directed by: Keith BraveHeart, Jim Cortez (Oglala Sioux Tribe)

More Than A Word (1:05:00) Feature Film
More Than A Word analyzes the Washington football team and their use of the derogatory term R*dskins. Using interviews from both those in favor of changing the name and those against, More Than A Word presents a deeper analysis of the many issues surrounding the Washington team name. More Than A Word also examines the history of Native American mascots and cultural appropriation.
Directed by: Kenn Little, John Little (Standing Rock Sioux)

GET A JOB (1:30:00) Feature FIlm
Two friends attempt to find the dignity of gainful employment while bumbling through life and sharing the Aloha Spirit in Hawaii. Funny experiences enhance their journey while they share their special musicality and hilarious charms. The film entertains and the award winning soundtrack is woven seamlessly throughout the storyline. The Barefoot Natives, Willie K and Eric Gilliom, platform 18 original songs in the “GET A JOB” musical showcase. The story is laugh-out-loud funny as the duo finds their true salvation is in family, OHANA.
Brian Kohne (Native Hawaiian)

ONLY WANNA PARTY (3:01)
ONLY WANNA PARTY is the transmedia comedic short that features an award winning soundtrack. It stars Willie K and Eric Gilliom as the Barefoot Natives. The compilation was produced and directed by Brian Kohne in Hawaii with post-production by Raymond Rolak. There are plenty of pratfalls to wow the most discriminate of goat wrestling fans. The comedy and music design thoroughly entertains. No goats were injured in this production. Also featuring Mick Fleetwood, Willie Nelson, Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brother’s, Henry Kapono, Carolyn Omine, Kathy Collins and Augie T.
Brian Kohne (Native Hawaiian)

war paint (8:14)
a short film
directed by: jack belhumeur (Metis)

ᎠᏴᏓᏆᎶᏍᎩ ᎠᎴ ᎤᎧᏖᎾ (8:50)
This story is a very old Cherokee storyLong ago, two boys feed a small starving snake. It grows up to a large Uktena that fights Thunder.
Directed by: Joseph Erb (Cherokee)

Ghost Town Music Video (4:32)
The first single off his debut album “Hard Road out of Hell”, which was nominated for Best Instrumental CD at the 2015 Indigenous Music Awards.
Directed by: Carla Ulrich (Mikisew Cree)

The Three Sisters Community Garden (5:22)
Zachary Greenleaf, a young Mi’gmaq from Gesgapegiag, tries to reintroduce the «three sisters» (the traditional white corn, squash and beans used in Native gardens) in his community with the help of others young people.
Directed by: Zach Greenleaf (Uashat)

My Father’s Tools (6:32)
In honor of his father, Stephen continues the production of traditional baskets. He thus finds peace in his studio, in connection with the man who taught him the work.
Directed by: Heather Condo (Uashat)

Battles (3:42)
At nightfall, Karen decides to leave the party where a friend is in the process of losing herself. A life metaphor, this battlefield.
Directed by: Karen Pinette Fontaine (Uashat)

She is Water (13:00)
Mary, an Ojibway teenager is taken by a stranger after a day out with her friends. She returns to Mother Earth and the Natural World seeks retribution.
Directed by: Darlene Naponse (Ojibway)

Not Barnes & Noble: The Story of Birch Bark Books (30:07)
A documentary about Birchbark Books.
Directed by: Frankie MAcNamera (Red Lake)

Nekatenitamu napeu/A Man’s Sorrow (5:18)
Three Innu men share with us their pain after the loss of their unborn children. Bereavement they often have to face alone.
Directed by: René John Fontaine

KUPANISHKUEU (4:35)
Director Mélodie Jourdain tells how the strength and the courage of her Innu ancestor, Kupanishkueu, influenced her life.
Directed by: Mélodie Jourdain Michel (Atikamekw)

Nothing About Moccasins (3:42)
There will be no film on moccasins.
Directed by: Eden Mallina Awashish (Atikamekw)

Sonny Side Up (6:14)
This film tells how a young men changes his life from drugs and alcohol to become a traditional dancer.
Directed by: Sonny Papatie (Atikamekw)

The Great Atikamekw Lady (5:17)
Atikamekw-Nehirowisiw governance goes through women and harmony with the Nitaskinan, the territory. Kokom Cotit was inspired by this principle to manage her family territory.
Directed by: Elisa Moar, Sipi Flamand (Atikamekw)

The Boy From Toksook Bay (10:00)
Interview with Byron Nicholai, a native Alaskan Yup’ik Singer, who has traveled the United States singing his traditional songs. He has performed for former Secretary of State John Kerry and former President Barack Obama.
Directed by: Danny deLeon (Hoopa)

Standing Rock: On Native Ground (49:00)
This special segment of On Native Ground focuses on the events occurring at Standing Rock, North Dakota, regarding the Dakota Access Pipe Line. Thousands of Natives and Indigenous tribes, as well as non-Natives have come together to fight for the water rights on the land. Two reporters from On Native Ground visited Standing Rock on November 20th and witnessed actions by DAPL and the military police against the Water Protectors. This special segment gives a different perspective and view of the occurrences that Natives have faced and what they are doing to fight for the land and the water.
Diected by: Koleyna Kohler, Carly Kohler (Hoopa)

Hinowu: Hand Games (6:00)
During a hand game tournament in Northern California, Danny de Leon interviewed tribal members about the importance of the hand games.
Directed by: Danny de Leon (Hoopa)

K’ina kil : The Slaver’s Son (19:00)
Through a lens focused on the Native experience, K’ina kil is the story of Tintah, a young Native man, as he searches for purpose and peace in California’s raucous, brutal Gold Rush. Near the minefields, Indian girls are kidnapped, for sex, and those natives who refuse to bend the will of the white men are hunted for profit. This charter-driven story tells of our country’s fortune and shame during California’s painful beginnings.
Directed by: jack kohler (Hoopa)

Sovereign’s Water (16:11)
In 2002 over 70,000 adult Salmon died at the mouth of the Klamath due to low flows and high water temperatures. In the summer of 2014 the conditions were exactly the same and the tribes took an active position in getting water released from the dams.
Directed by: Verel Moon (Hoopa)

From Up North (13:29)
From Up North is a personal, poetic short documentary directed by Trudy Stewart based on her experience working for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Featured storyteller Noel Starblanket shares his experiences of attending the Lebret Indian Residential School. While listening to Noel’s stories, Trudy reflects on her time listening to survivors’ stories and her connection to the Indian Residential School legacy.
Directed by: Trudy Stewart (Flying Dust First Nation Cree)

Unearthed (14:26)
James receives news that will upset the balance of the lives of his elder farmer parents and his young son. “Unearthed” is a film about reconciling those familial conflicts that lie beneath the surface.
Directed by: Terry Jones (Seneca Nation of Indians), Govind Deecee

Advent (9:13)
A little alien boy comes to explore the Earth while trying to blend in. He has it all under control….until he discovers what it’s like to have a real human connection.
Directed by: Jonah T. Begay (Navajo Nation)

No Reservations (11:04)
What if the moccasin was on the other foot? NO RESERVATIONS is political satire inspired by true-life events, giving a hypothetical look at what life would be like if the roles in Standing Rock were reversed. Protests erupt as an upper-middle class Caucasian neighborhood attempts to thwart the construction of a pipeline from an Indigenous Corporation. Starring Lorne Cardinal as Joseph Stillwater, No Reservations aims to provide an alternative point of view of the political threads that have become so tense after the events in North Dakota. Bravely challenging its viewer from the perspective of both First Nations and Caucasian cultures, the film presents a unique point of view in its statement, and a voice of accountability to the Indigenous people of North America.
Written and directed by: Trevor Carroll (Ojibwe)

Meet Sitting Bull’s Great Great Granddaughter (2:00)
Brenda White Bull is a direct descendant of the great Spiritual leader, Sitting Bull. In this short documentary, Brenda talks about carrying Sitting Bull’s legacy and how it feels to see a movement emerge where Sitting Bull once fought for Indigenous Rights too.
Directed by: Jade Begay (Tesuque Pueblo), Ayse Gursoz

Raven (10:46)
a short film
Driected by: Rezelle Benally (Oglala Lakota/Diné)

DEDMN (24:01)
DEDMN is the story of two hitmen dealing with their code of honor, and conduct, as they come into conflict. Filmed in Chicago.
Directed by Darren James (Ojibwe, Cote First Nation)

My Once Life (3:30)
My Once Life is a hybrid video poem about the continuing impact of colonization on tribal peoples. Native people resist their violent history and contemporary political struggles through engaging with deep historical knowledge and creating new oral histories. I asked my native female friends to read my poem for a few reason; one is that I want to show the diversity of tribal nations living in Los Angeles, and secondly, to show the passion and collective connection we have as Indigenous women to our tribal history.

This poem is read by 12 Native women living in Los Angeles whose strong voices embody empowerment definitely and I am forever grateful to : Nanabah Hill, (Navajo-Oneida), Diana Terrazas, (Paiute), JaNae Collins, (Dakota-Crow), Xelt’tia Temryss Lane, (Lummi Nation), Viki Eagle, Sicanqu (Lakota-Sioux), Cheyenne Phoenix, (Northern Paiute-Navajo), Stephanie Mushrush, (Washoe Tribe), Hakekta Winyan Jealous Of Him (Lakota), Chrissie Castro, (Navajo), Neyom Friday, (Cheyenne-Arapaho and Mskoke Creek), Vivian Garcia, (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma), and Deja Jones, (Eastern Shoshone).
Directed by Pamela Peters (Navajo)

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