Reel Injun: New Doc on Portrayals of Indians

I just read an article — Monk, Katherine. “Doc Sees Humour in Sadness.” Leader-Post, Canwest News Service. February 17, 2010. — on Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond’s take on Avatar. That’s how I found out about his new documentary, “Reel Injun,” which focuses on the portrayal of natives on film. It looks like it’s only been released in Canada but I hope it makes it down south so I can watch and post about it here. If you’re up north, let me know what you think!

Huichol: El Viaje Místico

A Facebook friend posted this animation called Huichol: El Viaje Místico made by  Francisco Ortuña Silva on her page. It has some cool graphics and nice, upbeat music (which actually reminded me more of the music in the Scissor Dance in Peru) so I thought I’d share.

The Huichol are a Mexican ethnic group who identify as the Wixaritari or Wizarika amongst themselves (which made me wonder if the creator is non- native or just chose to use the term Huichol since it’s the more broadly recognized term). The animation is about a man’s colorful vision after taking what appears to be peyote. Included in this vision are various natural elements and animals, including a man who looks like a deer, which is closely associated with peyote and a sacred animal for the Wixaritari. It reminded me of an ayahuasca ceremony in Ecuador.

2010 “Emerging Artist” Nominee: Georgina Lightning

I just read that Georgina Lightning has been nominated for a 2010 EPIC Award in the “Emerging Artists” category by the White House Project. I actually haven’t checked out her award-winning film, “Older than America” because I was watching “Club Native” at the NMAI Film Festival opening night. But, I did get a chance to hear Lightning speak as a panelist. “Older than America” just became available On Demand on the IFC Channel, so check it out if you can. I will, too. In the meantime, here’s a clip from YouTube. Voting for the “Emerging Artitsts” award closes at closes on March 22, 2010 at 11:59pm. For more information on the award and movie, check out:

Shining Elk, Michelle R. ‘Older than America,’ Georgina Lightning receive nom for emerging artist award. Native American Times. March 21, 2010.