October 2018 Newsletter

Netflix currently has right around 125 million subscribers, so odds are you might be one of them (or you’re likely “borrowing” a login from a friend or family member #nojudgements).  With more movies and television shows available to subscribers almost every day, you might be spending more time trying to find something to watch, rather than actually watching anything.  This month AIHREA would like to help you out by sharing our top six favorite indigenous produced/directed/focused films on Netflix!
 
Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock

Directors: Josh Fox, Myron Dewey (Newe-Numah/Paiute-Shoshone), James Spione
Released: 2017

Many of you are probably familiar with or maybe even participated in the resistance against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.  Chronicling the struggle of indigenous peoples and their allies in this fight, Josh Fox, James Spione, and Myron Dewey (Newe-Numah/Paiute-Shoshone) bring the viewer into the heart of the resistance camps and frontline actions to highlight the story of this movement through Native eyes.

Rhymes for Young Ghouls

Director: Jeff Barnaby (Mik’maq)
Released: 2014

Set in 1976 on the Red Crow Mik’Maq reserve, Jeff Barnaby’s film follows the story of Aila, a 15 year old who takes to dealing drugs to pay her “truancy tax” and avoid being taken to the local residential school.  Part thriller, part drama this film highlights the struggles of life on a Canadian First Nations reserve in the 1970s through Aila’s (Devery Jacobs – Mohawk) struggles with her family and community.

Keepers of the Game

Director: Judd Ehrlich
Released: 2016

It’s fairly common knowledge that the contemporary game of lacrosse was developed out of indigenous stickball games throughout the Eastern United States.  Due to this, the game of lacrosse has become popular in many American Indian and First Nations communities.  This film follows the struggle for acceptance of the girls’ lacrosse team from Akwesasne Mohawk Territory.  Faced with resistance from community members over whether or not it is traditional for women to play the game and racism from outside communities, the girls set off on a historic run for the championship.

The Daughter of Dawn

Director: Norbert A. Myles
Released: 1920

One of the first films to feature a completely American Indian cast, this silent film features over 300 Comanche and Kiowa individuals, including two children of Quanah Parker.  Additionally, cast members provided their own clothing and other items to be included in the film.  Although it’s widely available today (including on Youtube), it was only screened in three locations including Kansas City! 

Thor: Ragnarok

Director: Taika Waititi (Māori)
Released: 2017

For those who are unfamiliar, this movie might seem a little out of place on this list.  Part of the massively successful Marvel Universe films, Thor: Ragnarok earns its spot because of its director Taika Waititi (Māori).  Famous for his film Boy (2010) and his short film Two Cars, One Night (2004) among others, Ragnarok is just one of Waititi’s recent films available to stream online.  For those of you with an Amazon Prime membership, check out What We Do in the Shadows (2015) and Boy (2010)!

Deidra and Laney Rob a Train

Director: Sydney Freeland (Navajo)
Released: 2017

Sydney Freeland’s (Navajo) Netflix original follows the story of two teenage sisters who take to robbing trains to support themselves after their mother is sent to jail.  After the release and acclaim of her first two projects, the short Hoverboard (2012) and film Drunktown’s Finest (2014), this project, which debuted at the Sundance film festival, is her first widely released film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi6wDhqg9_w

Join us on November 10th for our 3rd Annual American Indian Art & Culture Extravaganza!

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