‘Showcase of Youth Film’ is a featured event of the International Institute for Indigenous Resource Management’s Indigenous Film & Arts Festival that will celebrate the creativity of indigenous youth as they present cultural traditions, confront colonialism, reflect on the importance of language, connect with elders, and bring tribal teachings into their day-to-day lives, acknowledging and embracing the importance of family, tradition, and language as they prepare for their role as the next generation of leaders and bearers of culture.
In recognition of National Aboriginal History Month in Canada, the festival will focus on films from First Nations youth, produced through Wapikoni Mobile, a traveling studio for training and the audiovisual creation of the First Nations.
More than a Native American film festival, the festival reflects the global focus of the International Institute for Indigenous Resource Management and the broad range of interests it has.
The International Institute for Indigenous Resource Management, Denver American Indian Commission and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science are pleased to present another year of programming from the Indigenous Film & Arts Festival on Wednesday, June 14th for A Showcase of Youth Film in the Museum’s Ricketson Theater, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver 80205. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the program begins at 6:30 p.m.
The schedule goes as followed:
Film + Q&A 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Awaskinawason (The Children of the Earth), dir. Antony Dubé (Manawan). From the Atikamekw words awacic (child), aski (earth) and takonawason (having responsibility for). A call to respect the circle of life. (2015, 3 min.)
Challwan Kvzaw (The Art of Fishing), from Mapuche Communication and Cinema School of Aylla Rewe Budi. A Mapuche man teaches his grandchildren the art of fishing as it used to be practiced. (7 min.).
Muk, collective from Unamen Shipu Workshop. There was a time when lobster fishermen of Unamen Shipu (La Romaine) could not practice their profession without being threatened. A portrait of a tradition peacefully restored. (6 min.).
Shipu (River), directors Shanice Mollen Picard, Uapukun Mestokosho Mckenzie (Innu from Ekuanitshit-Mingan). The importance of protecting “the ancestors’ highways.” (6 min.).
We Will Rise, dir. Natasha Kanapé Fontaine (Innu). A poetic message to rise up & be heard. (4 min.).
Innu-Assit, director Jonathan Grégoire (Innu from Uashat Mak Mani-Uteman). A comparison of yesterday’s Innu territory with today’s Innu reservation; they are not the same. (4 min.).
Strong Woman Song, director Naomi Condo (Mikmaq from Gesgapegiag). The traditional Strong Woman Song revamped to draw attention to the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women. (4 min.).
Obedjiwan 5-0, director Fyanna Boivin (Atikamekw from Opitciwan). A portrait of a 14-year-old young woman who wants to become a police officer. (2 min.).
Rien sur les moccasins (Nothing About Mocassins) (Atikamekw from Opitciwan). Respecting her grandmother’s wishes, there will be no film about moccasins. (4 min.).
Nitanish – To My Daughter, director Melissa Mollen Dupuis (Innu), co-founder of Idle No More Quebec, addresses a tender message to her baby daughter growing within her. (3 min.).
Where & When
Ricketson Theater (WEST Entrance)
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, Colorado 80205
Wednesday, June 14th
Door Open: 6:00 p.m.; Program: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Suggested donation $5 (no one turned away)
