The Films

2007 Submissions

Preview some of our early submissions

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A Shared History

Housebill 1495 is a laud mark piece of legislation which ashes public schools to teach tribal history according to the local Native communities. This film explores this history and approaches to teaching Native American history according to youth leaders.

Director: Tracy Rector (Seminole)
Cinematographer: Tracy Rector & Annie Silverstein
Producer: Tracy Rector
Score by: Chenoa Egawa & Jim Boyd
Camera Crew: Tracy Rector& Annie Silverstein

Bumpy Roads

Bumpy Roads - "Music video". Filmed on location in Pine Ridge reservation; Black Hills Wild Hills Sanctuary; Dead wood, South Dakota, Nashville, and Tennessee. Video features recording session and historical locations; includes Wounded Knee Memorial "When times get hard, you get scarred and torn apart…."

Director: Christopher Crosby
Cinematography: Christopher Crosby
Producer: Pyrrho Maloue Brent, Kala R. LaRive for PK Productions, LLC
Music by: Shadowyze
Cast: Shadowyze (Muscogee Creek and Cherokee), Cherokee Kid (Cherokee) and Shea Keck (Cherokee)

ConQueror

"ConQueror" is based and written by Phillip Garcia (aka Waslyk) about his dedication and love for his wife, children, and family.

Director: Dana Michi
Cinematographer: Lake Spokane Media
Producer: K.D. Lawrence
Original Music by: Waslyk - (was-like)
Camera Crew: K.D. Lawrence, Dana Michi
Technical Assistance: Gary Joseph, William Coleman, T.A.N.F. program Colville Indian Reservation

Dancing From the Heart

The documentary "Dancing From the Heart", centering on Andrew Garcia of San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico, and his vibrant young family dance group, gives the audience a very rare inside view of the historically mysterious and magnetic Pueblo culture and dance. Andrew Garcia, as unscripted, impassioned guide, shows how he gained his knowledge from his grandfather, who was head of the sacred koshare (clown) clan, as well as handing the traditions on.

Among Native Americans, the Pueblo people are considered to have changed least because they still live in their traditional villages to which their ceremonies are connected.

The film brings out Garcia's belief in the importance of the dances for participants and viewers alike as a form of prayer and sacrifice to seek well-being for the natural world and all the earth's peoples, along with individual happiness and health. As the viewer's understanding of the dances deepens, we see Garcia's young granddaughter dance for her mother to recover from cancer, while the family watches on with emotion. As grandson Curt dances a hypnotic Deer Dance, he tells partly in view and partly in voice-over of his desire to keep the traditions alive and pass them on. We see him working with young students performing the dances.

Director: Marilyn Hunt
Producer: Marilyn Hunt

Fifteen

An intimate portrayal of the Challenges teens face including peer pressure, under age drinking and loss.

Director: Cody Cayou (Swinomish) & Travis Tom (Swinomish)
Cinematographer: Annie Silverstein, Cody Cayou, Travis Tom
Producer: Longhouse Media
Original Music by: Jim Boyd
Camera Crew: Cody Cayou, Travis Tom, Annie Silverstein
Technical Assistance: Annie Silverstein, Cody Contreras
Cast: Cody Cayou, Travis Tom

Fish

"Fish" is an original script by acclaimed filmmaker Sterlin Harjo. At Superfly 07, 50 youth came together in order to create 4 short films based upon this script which explores urban identity and culture.

Director: Collaborative, youth 13-19 years old (Inter-Tribal)
Cinematographer: Collaborative, youth 13-19 years old (Inter-Tribal)
Producer: Tracy Rector
Score by: Collaborative youth mix, Swil Kanim, Aaron & Derek Jones
Technical Assistance: mentors
Cast: Collaborative, youth 13-19 years old (Inter-Tribal)

Good Ridance Chief Illiniwek

"Finally, after years of fighting for the termination of the dishonorable portrayal of the University of Illinois' Chief Illiniwek he will dance his last dance and be retired. I utilize the infamous "Ten Little Indians" song as the audio accompaniment. It is infamous because it is a children's song that tells a story of the killing off of natives in an attempt to pacify the children of white settlers on the frontier. This song is applied satirically to the infamous Illiniwek image."

Director: Torry Mendoza
Cinematographer: Torry Mendoza
Producer: Torry Mendoza

Happiness

Short with images of children set to a song sang by the Tulalip Timberland Creek Singers.

Director: Aaron & Derek Jones (Tulalip Tribal members)
Cinematographer: Aaron & Derek Jones
Producer: Aaron & Derek Jones
Score by: Tulalip Timberland Creek Singers
Camera Crew: Aaron & Derek Jones
Cast: Marriana Joe, Gracelyn Hudson (Tulalip Tribal Member), Kaiser Moses (Tulalip Tribal Member)

Honoring Our Veterans

First Name: Tulalip Youth
Last Name: M.M.C
Phone: 360-651-3400
E-Mail: tetawin38@yahoo.com
Title: T.Y.M.M.C
Genre: Music video
Producer: T.Y.M.M.C
Director: T.Y.M.M.C
Year: 2007
Length: 7:21:29mins
Country: USA
Synopsis: Native American Music Video
"Honoring Our Veterans"
Filmed on location in the Cascades of Washington State and the Skagit Valley River Plains.

Javier Gonzalez is a Kickapoo-Mayan Hoop Dancer and danced to Eagle Warrior\'s drum song, Eagle Heart, to honor all veteran\'s especially those from the Tulalip Tribes.

Starring: Javier Gonzalez
Skagit Valley Eagles
Website: www.nwic.edu/tulalip
Notes: T.Y.M.M.C: We are a Youth Multi-Media Club based at the Tulalip Boys and Girls Club, collaborating with the Tulalip Film Club.

I Forgive U

"I Forgive U" is based on Emcee One's life experience growing up on an Indian Reservation. The song details abuse, addictions, against the odds, but most importantly the song shows and tells the youth if you believe in God/Creator and "forgive" people for what they did to you, a person can move on and be successful in life!

Director: LoVina Louie-Lawrence
Producer: Kimberly Norris-Guerrero
Original Music by: Emcee One
Camera Crew: Kimberly Norris, Johnny Guerrero, LoVina Louie-Lawrence
Cast: Rocking the Rez Kids, Emcee One

Indigenous Foods: Then & Now

Story of Yakima food gathering traditions versus contemporary popular food consumption and the valuable ties to culture through food.

Director: Kaleena Mandund
Producer: Dan Hart
Camera Crew: Kaleena Mandund, Michiko Urita
Technical Assistance: Angelo Baca

Jerome's Story

An alternative perspective into everyday life in a Middle Eastern Country, through the eyes of a young freelance journalist attending a global radio summit in Amman, Jordan.

Director: Jerome Edge (Upper Skagit Tribal member)
Producer: Jerome Edge
Camera Crew: Jerome Edge
Technical Assistance: Robin Carneen

Kemosabe Version 1.0

"Kemosabe Version 1.0" utilizes deconstruction to examine and comment on two American icons, "The Lone Ranger" and "Tonto" through reassemblage. The montage re-presented illustrates how American media, intentionally or not, did and does negatively and inaccurately portray Native Americans, whereas the subtext of "Kemosabe" illustrates how the "Lone Ranger" has subjugated "Tonto" as he consumes and assumes "Tonto's" "Indian-ness".

Director: Torry Mendoza
D.O.P.: Torry Mendoza
Producer Torry Mendoza

Many Cultures, One Community

"Many Cultures, One Community", we recognize the value of providing strong foundations for our children through educational programs that teach, inspire, and expand the world for our kids.  All of the educational and youth programs on the reservation are open to both Tribal and non-Indian children. 

Director: Kimberly Norris Guerrero
Producer: LoVina Louie-Lawrence, Kimberly Norris-Guerrero
Score by: Johnny Guerrero & CeCe Curtis featuring the Lil Warrior Choir

Mile Post 398

When it comes to depicting life on the Navajo Nation, Mile Post 398 captures the essence of surviving day-to-day living as the shadows of alcoholism pound at the door. From his earliest memories, Cloyd has witnessed the uglier side of life while being surrounded by alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Each time he attempts to turn over a new leaf his friends Jimmy and Marty mastermind a plan to sway Cloyd from his ultimate hope of saving himself and beloved family. A choice must be made, but only Cloyd holds the power to salvage what is left of his life, or allow it to slip away into despair. Mile Post 398 truly touches the heart and captivates the spirit.

Mile Post 398 is the first full feature film from award winning (2005 American Indian Film Festival - Best Public Service "G Methamphetamine on the Navajo Nation") Navajo directors Shonie and Andee De La Rosa, the film is also the first of its kind to be produced entirely on the Navajo Nation and utilize and entire Navajo cast and crew.

A unique and original soundtrack was also used for Mile Post 398. The film features the music of Coalition, Ethnic De Generation, Keddah, Rising Conviction and Aaron White.

Mile Post 398 features the following:

Director: Shonie & Andee De Rosa
D.O.P: Shonie De La Rosa
Producer: Shonie & Andee De La Rosa
Score By: Coalition - Ethnic De Generation - Keddah - Rising Conviction - Aaron White
Camera Crew: Shonie De La Rosa, Andee De La Rosa, Dwayne Lake
Technical Assistance: Klee Benally - Software Consultant

Cast:
Beau Benally as Cloyd Begay
Gerald Vandever (Skinwalks and Black Cloud) as Jimmy
James Junes (James and Ernie Comedy and 5th World) as Marty
Ernest David Tsosie III (James and Ernie Comedy 5th World) as Ray Yazzie
Kim White as Lorraine
Dwayne Lake as Steve
KJ White as Michael/Young Cloyd
Jim Vanwinkle as Albert Begay
Shaylynn Gilmore as Gloria Begay

Onenhohgwa (Corn Soup)

"Onenhohgwa" is a traditional view of the cultural, social and spiritual significance of the preparation of corn soup for the Haudeosaunee, the Onondaga Nation specifically.

Director: Torry Mendoza
Cinematographer: Torry Mendoza
Producer: Torry Mendoza
Technical Assistance: Jeanne Shenandoah (narrator)
Cast: Clint Shenandoah, Tonya Shenandoah, Angelina Shenandoah, Ariann Shenandoah & Stone Kai Shenandoah

Penn Cove Water Festival

"Penn Cove Water Festival" is a PSA for the Penn Cove Water Festival in Coupeville documenting the history and tradition of the festival. Created by the NWIC Multimedia class.

Director: Marina Benally, Robin Carneen, Derek Jones
D.O.P.: Robin Carneen
Producer: Marina Benally, Robin Carneen, Derek Jones
Music By: Swil Kanim, Tulalip Canoe Family
Camera Crew: Robin Carneen, Jarome Edge
Technical Assistance: Jason Myers
Cast: Tulalip Canoe Family, Swil Kanim, Gene Tagaban, Canoe Pullers 

Powwow 101

The University of Washington native student group, first nations, battle bureaucracy and culture insensitivity to overcome the canceling of their annual spring powwow.

Director: Angelo Baca
D.O.P.: Robyn Pebeaksy
Producer: Dan Hart
Camera Crew: Robyn Pebeaksy, Bekky Herr, Nadine Zaehamas

Technical Assistance: Rosemary Gibbons, Lana Tyler, Virginia Thiel, Emily Le

Raindrops in the Summertime

A portrait of a summertime rainfall in the beautiful Northwest and the world that lies at our doorstep.

Director: Aaron & Derek Jones (Tulaip Tribal Members)
Cinematographer: Aaron & Derek Jones
Producer: Derek Jones
Score by: Derek Jones
Camera Crew: Aaron & Derek Jones

Raising Our Arms in Thanksgiving

An explanation of a custom of the Salish peoples - based on longhouse teachings.

Director: Aaron & Derek Jones (Tulaip Tribal Members)
Cinematographer: Aaron & Derek Jones
Producer: Derek & Aaron Jones
Score by: Derek Jones
Camera Crew: Aaron & Derek Jones
Cast: Monique Moses

Spring

Images of a Spring day in the Northwest.

Director: Aaron & Derek Jones (Tulaip Tribal Members)
Cinematographer: Aaron & Derek Jones
Producer: Derek & Aaron Jones
Score by: Derek Jones
Camera Crew: Aaron & Derek Jones

Walking the Red Road

One young man's personal vision of life in a teen treatment center.

Director: Martin Edwards (Swinomish)
Cinematographer: Martin Edwards
Producer: Longhouse Media
Camera Crew: Martin Edwards, Corey Contreras
Technical Assistance: Corey Contreras, Annie Silverstein
Cast: Martin Edwards

What's Your Name?

Roger Kuhn and his band perform in New York's Washington Sg. Park and inspire passers-by to ask each other, "What's Your Name?"

Director: S. Chris Shirley
D.O.P: Sergei Franklin
Producer: Roger Kuhn (member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians), S. Chris Shirley
Music By: Roger Kuhn
Camera Crew: Sergei Franklin, Eddie Bamonte
Technical Assistance: Brian Feeney, Elan Kels, Joey McGill, Tony Ponti, Cary Brown
Cast: Roger Kuhn, Robert Urban, Anthony Maurlella, Doug Allen, Marlen Artor, Julie Brundage, Nicholas E. Calhoun, Pierra Francesca, Steven Grgas, Klara Ladynsky, Reggie Oldham, Dmitriy Presnyakora, Stephanie Faith Scott, Kris Van Nest, Matthew Waglo, Ryan White

What Angels Wish They Knew

"What Angels Wish They Knew". This short film is a music video featuring a musical track from honey Dawn Karima Pettigrew's cd "The Worship of Angels". Based on a story that happened to Pettigrew's grandmother and great-aunt, this story recounts the adventures of three young boys, who do a brave deed. After they counter injustice, they sing a warrior song of prayer and bravery.

Director: honey Dawn Karima Pettigrew (Creek/Cherokee)
Cinematographer: Zechanah Freeman (Samoan/Cherokee)
Producer: honey Dawn Karima Pettigrew
Music by: Wildcat (Cherokee) & Zack Freeman (Samoan/Cherokee)
Camera Crew: Zack Freeman
Technical Assistance: Kaylene Pino, Gil Pettigrew, Katherine E. Caraballo, Hans LeBeaux
Cast: honey Dawn Karima Pettigrew (poetry/performance), Jerry Clown (Lakota), Trevor LeBeaux (Lakota), Tsabetsaye Helgers (Lakota), Wayanka Clown (Lakota)

Wounded Heart - Pine Ridge and the Sioux

Sioux Indians confront life threatening problems on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation in SW South Dakota and express hope for their future through their language and traditional culture.

Director: Oliver W. Tuthill Jr.
Cinematographer: Oliver W. Tuthill Jr.
Producer: Oliver W. Tuthill Jr.
Score by: Oliver W. Tuthill Jr.
Camera Crew: Dan Schwont
Cast: Russell Means, Congressman Jim McDermott, Jay Red Hawk