INDIgenesis, an ongoing showcase of works by Native filmmakers and artists, was scheduled to open for two weeks in the Walker Cinema on March 19, 2020. In collaboration with the filmmakers, we’ve adapted three of the shorts programs for online viewing.
“As Indigenous people, we have always adapted during times of uncertainty and change as did our ancestors before us,” says guest curator Missy Whiteman (Northern Arapaho and Kickapoo Nations). “In the spirit of those who came before and honoring Indigenous filmmakers, we invite you to the virtual screenings of INDIgenesis film series.”
Revitalization, a series of three powerful short films by Indigenous filmmakers, portrays personal stories of healing through cultural revitalization. Click on the images below to view the films. Two more shorts programs are available (see right sidebar for links).
Filmmaker Q&A
On April 3, guest curator Missy Whiteman led an conversation about incorporating Indigenous values, languages, and community stories in films that share true tales of cultural revitalization. Speaking from quarantine, filmmakers Alexandra Lazarowich (Fast Horse), Jeffrey Palmer (Isabelle’s Garden), and director Jessie Adler, co-producer Shiala King, and boxer Lacosta Byington (Boxers of Brule) discuss their influences and the making of their films, each conveying messages of strength and hope for young Indigenous filmmakers and audiences.
Isabelle’s Garden
Directed by Jeffrey Palmer (Kiowa)
Jeffrey Palmer’s Isabelle’s Garden is an uplifting film that tells the story of a community coming together, led by a young Choctaw girl and her garden. 2015, 9 min.
Boxers of Brule
Directed by Jessie Adler and Tracy Rector (Choctaw/Seminole)
Jessie Adler and Tracy Rector’s Boxers of Brule follows a 23-year-old Lakota woman who forms a boxing team for young girls to battle depression and addiction, in honor of her best friend who was lost to suicide. Building their strength together, the preteen girls of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of South Dakota find power in sisterhood. 2019, 39 min.
Fast Horse
Directed by Alexandra Lazarowich (Cree)
Alexandra Lazarowich’s Fast Horse takes an intimate look at riders of the Indian Relay, North America’s original extreme sport of bareback horse racing. 2018, 14 min.
To ensure that filmmakers maintain control of their works, links are provided to filmmaker hosted sites. Online access to films is available for the duration that these links are publicly shared by the filmmakers. Password protected films will be available for viewing until April 15, 2020. Please share your reflections, comments, and questions for the curator and filmmakers by emailing movingimage@walkerart.org.
Originally intended to screen in the Walker Cinema over two weeks, the series INDIgenesis: GEN 3 is rooted in Indigenous principles that consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations. GEN 3 is centered on themes of Indigenous Futurism, revitalization, and artistic creation and connects perspectives and stories from the past, present, and future to convey Indigenous truths, teachings, and values.
Read more about the originally scheduled INDIgenesis: GEN 3 series, canceled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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