Native American Film and Video Festival: March 26-29, 2009

2009 Native American Film and Video Festival in New York

Organized by the Film and Video Center of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), the Native American Film + Video Festival celebrates the creative energy of Native American directors, producers, writers, actors, musicians, cultural activists, and all the others who support their endeavors.

Founded in 1979, the festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The Film and Video Center’s (FVC) mission is to serve indigenous media throughout the hemisphere through extensive exhibition and information services. The FVC could not achieve what it has been able to do without the colleagues and partners who help us define and further our work. We are very fortunate to be both a part of the world of indigenous production and the field of independent film and media. On this occasion, as we reflect on how much we have learned during the past three decades, we wish to express to those we have worked with our deep gratitude for what we have accomplished together.

We are most appreciative of the work done by the 2009 festival’s guest selectors. Nanobah Becker, Chris Eyre, Fred Rickard, and Zezinho Yube, who brought their wide-ranging experiences and expertise to bear in the creation of a rich and diverse festival program. From the more than 350 entries received, 60 award-winning shorts, features and documentaries are being screened, representing indigenous media artists from Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela, and the United States.

Themes sounded in these films–honor to elders and hope for youth, courageous community action, the survival of Native languages, and many others–speak of the Native realities of the 21st century. Throughout this week the festival presents Native storytelling at its best–wrenching at times, engrossing, risky, ironic, hilarious and experimental.

And now to the festival! The selectors and staff of the 2009 Native American Film + Video Festival look forward to your presence and welcome your comments and responses to all the exciting works being screened.

- Elizabeth Weatherford, Founding Director, Native American Film + Video Festival

How to Attend the Festival

All festival programs are free. For daytime programs in the Auditorium and Diker Pavilion, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For programs in The Screening Room, which has limited seating, tickets will be distributed at the Will Call Desk starting 40 minutes before each showtime.

Reservations are recommended for evening programs at NMAI. No more than 4 tickets can be reserved by any one person. Pick up reserved tickets at the Will Call Desk starting 40 minutes before showtime. Tickets not picked up by 15 minutes before showtime are released to the Wait List. NMAI members are given priority for reservations until March 11. To reserve call 212-514-3737 or email FVC@si.edu.

Please note: All visitors to the NMAI Heye Center are required to go through a security check and magnetometer. No sharp or metal items will be allowed into the museum.

All programs are wheelchair accessible. To request assistance for the hearing impaired, contact the festival no later than March 11 at FVC@si.edu.

For directions, enter here.

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