The vibrant city of Palm Springs, California, prepared to host a cinematic celebration of Native American culture and storytelling in March of 2006. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum proudly announced the film lineup for its annual Native American Film Festival, a highly anticipated event scheduled to unfold from March 14th to 19th at the iconic Camelot Theatre. This edition promised a rich tapestry of documentaries and short films, showcasing the diverse perspectives and artistic talents within the Native American community. The Lineups announced for 2006 Native American Film Festival was eagerly awaited by film enthusiasts and cultural advocates alike.
The festival was envisioned as more than just a series of screenings; it was designed as an immersive cultural experience. The opening night was set to be a prelude to a week filled with thought-provoking narratives and visually stunning displays of indigenous artistry. The selection of films reflected a commitment to presenting a wide range of voices and experiences, building upon the tradition of previous years in celebrating Native American heritage through the powerful medium of film.
The festival’s opening night selection was Roberta Grossman’s "Homeland: Four Portraits of Native Action." This powerful documentary offered a nationwide examination of the contemporary environmental threats faced by American Indian homelands. The film intended to shed light on the challenges and resilience of Native communities as they navigate issues of environmental justice and the preservation of their ancestral lands. Grossman’s work aimed to provoke dialogue and inspire action towards protecting these vital cultural and ecological resources.
On March 15th, the festival program shifted its focus to the historical struggles of Aleut-Americans with Marla Williams’ "Aleut Story." This poignant documentary chronicled their decades-long fight for human and civil rights, a journey that began in the isolated internment camps of World War II-era Southeast Alaska and extended to the halls of Congress and the White House. Narrated by the esteemed Emmy Award-winning actor Martin Sheen, "Aleut Story" brought to light a little-known chapter of American history, highlighting the injustices faced by the Aleut people and their unwavering pursuit of equality and recognition. The film aimed to educate audiences about the Aleut experience and honor the resilience of a community that has overcome significant adversity.
March 16th presented a documentary double-bill, offering attendees two distinct yet equally compelling perspectives on Native American life and culture. The first film of the evening was Katie Jennings’ "Teachings of the Tree People: The Life of Bruce Miller." This remarkable portrait delved into the complex life of Bruce Miller, a multifaceted individual who embodied the roles of actor, artist, educator, environmentalist, and historian. The documentary explored Miller’s inspiring outlook on life and his tireless efforts to keep Native traditions alive in the contemporary world. It examined the challenges he faced in bridging the gap between the past and the present, and his dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of his people.
The second film of the evening was Kevin McMahon’s multi-award-winning documentary, "Stolen Spirits of the Haida Gwaii." This powerful film documented the Haida people’s emotional journey to bring home the skeletal remains of their ancestors, which had been stolen from their villages a century prior. The documentary explored the profound impact of this act of desecration on the Haida community, and their determination to reclaim their cultural heritage and honor the memory of their ancestors. It highlighted the importance of repatriation in the healing process and the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights and recognition.
A highlight of the Lineups announced for 2006 Native American Film Festival was a gala dinner held on the evening of March 17th at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The event featured Native entertainment and honored guest N. Scott Momaday, a towering figure in American literature. Referred to as "the dean of American Indian writers" by The New York Times, Momaday holds an important place in the American literary arts. A poet, playwright, artist, essayist, and novelist, Momaday crafts – in language and imagery – majestic landscapes of a sacred culture. His works delve into the rich traditions, spiritual beliefs, and historical experiences of Native Americans, offering readers a profound understanding of their unique perspective on the world. Momaday was the first American Indian to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his novel, "House Made of Dawn," a groundbreaking work that brought Native American voices to the forefront of American literature. His presence at the gala was a testament to the festival’s commitment to celebrating Native American artistic achievement and honoring the contributions of its most influential figures.
The March 18th program featured "Family Shorts," a lively collection of animated and live-action short films suitable for the entire family. This program was designed to engage younger audiences and introduce them to the diverse world of Native American storytelling. The short films covered a range of topics, from traditional legends and folktales to contemporary stories about family, community, and identity. Following the screenings, a kid-style reception was held, providing an opportunity for children to interact with filmmakers and learn more about the creative process.
That same day, the festival highlighted its centerpiece film, "Spirit Riders – Riding to Mend the Sacred Hoop," directed by James Kleinert. This visually rapturous exploration delved into the birth of an American Indian peace movement and how its growth has united diverse regions of the world, including Central America, Australia, Ireland, and South Africa. Narrated by acclaimed actor Peter Coyote ("Erin Brokovich," "Bitter Moon") and featuring "Lord of the Rings" star Viggo Mortensen, "Spirit Riders" offered a powerful message of unity and healing, showcasing the ability of indigenous communities to come together in the pursuit of peace and justice. The film explored the spiritual and cultural significance of the "sacred hoop," a symbol of wholeness and interconnectedness that resonates across cultures.
The Lineups announced for 2006 Native American Film Festival continued on March 19th with "New Native Voices," an adventurous program of short films focused on the work of a talented new breed of Native filmmakers. These emerging artists presented contemporary and exciting perspectives on traditional issues of culture and heritage, showcasing a brave and promising future for Native cinema. The films explored themes of identity, tradition, and resilience, offering fresh and innovative approaches to storytelling. This program aimed to provide a platform for young Native filmmakers to share their work and connect with audiences.
Concluding the festival was a special closing-night film: "Trudell," Heather Rae’s acclaimed, beautifully woven, impressionistic portrait of iconic American Indian poet/activist John Trudell. This powerful film explored Trudell’s turbulent life, which represented both a literal and metaphorical mirror of modern Native history. Trudell’s story was one of resistance, resilience, and unwavering commitment to Native American rights. The film captured the essence of his poetic voice and his powerful message of social justice, leaving audiences with a lasting impression of his impact on the Native American community and the broader world.
The closing night reception provided film buffs and filmmakers alike a chance to mingle and bask in the success of what has become the West Coast’s finest American Indian film festival. It was an opportunity to celebrate the power of film to promote cultural understanding, foster dialogue, and inspire change.
Consistent with the museum’s mission of education and outreach, ticket prices for the festival were very reasonably priced. For more information, the complete festival schedule, and a synopsis of each film, visitors were encouraged to visit the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Web site or call (760) 778-1079. The Lineups announced for 2006 Native American Film Festival was more than a film festival; it was a celebration of culture, a platform for voices, and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.