First Peoples’ Film Festival

First Peoples’ Film Festival highlights indigenous filmmakers, writers, producers

Gallup Independent. November 21st, 2019. Richard Reyes, Staff Writer.

GALLUP – The inaugural First Peoples’ Film Festival highlighted movies produced, written and directed by indigenous filmmakers at the Octavia Fellin Public Library as part of Native American Heritage Month.

Film festival organizer Joshua Whitman, who is the experiential learning coordinator for the library, said the purpose of the event was to bring attention to works that are often overlooked in Hollywood.

“In my opinion, the film industry is predominantly white-washed,” Whitman said. “A lot of popular movies that are directed, produced, and written by people that are popular in the mainstream. The films highlighted in the festival are not really publicized because we are a minority.” Continued After Image

Newspaper article featured in Gallup Independent. Scanned 11.22.2019 by OFPL Staff member, Joshua Whitman.

Showcasing Native films

Whitman said he wanted to showcase Native American films because the community is predominantly Native American, making up about nearly 75% of the population in McKinley, County.

Whitman said he began planning the film festival about three months in advance, but it almost didn’t come together. He planned to show films for two weeks, but he ran into technical difficulties and licensing troubles.

There were also movies in production or post-production that he hoped to show but they are not yet ready.

Whitman researched Native American films via the library’s film streaming service Canopy. He then chose films that pertained to contemporary issues, particularly the transition from pre-colonization and colonization into modern society.

Newspaper article featured in Gallup Independent. Scanned 11.22.2019 by OFPL Staff member, Joshua Whitman.

Magic for Muggles: Potions

Join us at Children’s Branch on Saturday, November 23rd at 2:00 p.m. for an afternoon of magical brewing as we brew our very own consumable potions inspired by the Harry Potter franchise.

Continuing our very own journey through the wizarding world we will brew potions such as Felix Felicis (Liquid Luck), Amortentia (Love), and a Beautification potion. *Brewable potion ingredient list below.*

Watch Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as we brew our potions.

Email jwhitman@gallupnm.gov or call 505-726-6120 for more information.

OFPL does not own the rights to this video. Courtesy from YouTube.

Felix Felicis

Liquid Luck

  • Small Measure Pond Slime
  • 5 Measures Infusion of Wormwood
  • Juice from 4 Squeezed Bat Spleens
  • Small Measure of Horklump Juice
  • Several Pinches of Octopus Powder

Amortentia

Love Potion

  • 10 Puffer-Fish Eyes
  • A Pinch of Ground Mandrake Root
  • 5 Measures Mermaid Tears
  • Small Measure of Dragon Blood
  • Dash of Exploding Ginger Eyelash

Beautification potion

  • 3 Smashed Baneberries
  • 5 Measures of Unicorn Blood
  • 2 Dribbles of Stardew
  • Pinch of Nightshade
  • Small Measure of Dragon Blood

Cipher Key

Ingredients

  • Dragon Blood: Cranberry Juice
  • Horklump Juice: Lemonade
  • Infusion of Wormwood: Strawberry soda
  • Unicorn Blood: Cream soda
  • Mermaid Tears: Sprite
  • Pond Slime: partially mashed kiwi
  • Baneberry: blackberries
  • Puffer-fish Eyes: popping bobas
  • Octopus Powder: Tang Powder
  • Ground Mandrake Root: Kool-aid powder
  • Nightshade: Crystal Light powder
  • Exploding Ginger Eyelash: Pop-rocks
  • Stardew: honey with a little bit of added water 
  • Bat Spleen: Gushers

Measurements

  • 1 measure = 1 cup
  • Small measure = ¼ Cup
  • 1 dash = 1 TBSP
  • 1 pinch- 1 tsp.

November Film Series – Smoke Signals

Wednesday, November 20th at 5:30 p.m.

Join us at the Main Library for a FREE film screening. Free popcorn and drinks are provided.

Synopsis:

Victor’s father left when he was a boy, and he now learns that his father just died, and his mother sends him to collect the ashes. He is only able to make the trip with Thomas’ help, however, and there is a condition that is difficult for him to accept: Victor must swallow his pride and take Thomas with him.

About the Film:
  • Year Released: 1998
  • Rating: PG-13
  • Duration: 1 hr. 29 mins.
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama
OFPL does not own the rights to this video. Courtesy of YouTube.

First Peoples’ Film Festival

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with us at Main Library from Monday, November 18th through Thursday, November 21st featuring films that are directed, produced, or written by Native Americans from various tribes and nations.

The films feature Native American historical context, comical context, and/or contemporary subject matter.

Monday, November 18th

Starting at 5:30 p.m.

Native Americans and Religious Violence (2018)

Trace the role of violence in and around Native American traditions. How common is land displacement and outright theft?

Runtime: 31 mins.

The Great Native American Civilizations (2005)

Explore the variety of civilizations in North America before European contact. Learn about the ways of life, government, economy, religion, and laws of the early Native Americans.

Runtime: 19 mins.

Warriors of Joy (2014)

Every Year in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Mardis Gras Indian tribes gather on the Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day to celebrate their pride and joy.

Runtime: 7 mins.

Mud (Hashtł’ishnii) (2017)

On her last day, Ruby faces the inescapable remnants of alcoholism, family, and culture.

Runtime: 10 mins.

It’s Not Free: Part 1 (2016)

This film is dedicated to all past, present, and future WATER PROTECTORS!!! Stop the genocide of indigenous peoples and STOP the destruction of SACRED SITES.

Runtime: 5 mins.

Five Dollars (2016)

“Five Dollars” shows the ugly truth of the effects of colonialism on indigenous families on the reservations in the United States.

Runtime: 6 mins.

Two Worlds (2018)

A film about mental illness.

Runtime: 1 min.

Return to Top of Page HERE.

Tuesday, November 19th

Starting at 5:30 p.m.

Language Healers (2014)

This film tells the story of Native Americans who are striving to revitalize their languages.

Runtime: 41 mins.

Native American Healing in the 21st Century (1999)

Provides a narration of many Native American ancient forms of healing and therapy and how they are now being embraced again and accepted by modern physicians and scientists.

Runtime: 53 mins.

Return to Top of Page HERE.

Wednesday, November 20th

Starting at 5:30 p.m.

Featured Film: Smoke Signals (1998)

Victor’s father left when he was a boy, and he now learns that his father just died, and his mother sends him to collect the ashes. He is only able to make the trip with Thomas’ help, however, and there is a condition that is difficult for him to accept: Victor must swallow his pride and take Thomas with him.

Runtime: 1 hr. 29 mins.

OFPL does not own the rights to this video. Courtesy from YouTube.com

Return to Top of Page HERE.

Thursday, November 21st

Starting at 5:30 p.m.

Who Controls the Land (2018)

Native American actor Martin Sensmeier travels to San Juan County, Utah, to investigate the controversy over the Bears Ears National Monument.

Runtime: 52 mins.

Hunting in Wartime (2015)

Profiles the incredible stories of Tlingit Native Americans from the village of Hoonah, Alaska who served in the Vietnam War.

Runtime: 1 hr. 6 mins.

Return to Top of Page HERE.

Amá (Mother)

Join Octavia Fellin Public Library and special guest Jean Whitehorse at El Morro Theatre on Saturday, November 16th at 6:30 p.m.

Amá is a feature-length documentary that tells an important and untold story: the abuses committed against Native American women by the United States Government during the 1960s and 70s: removed from their families and sent to boarding schools, forced relocation away from their traditional lands and involuntary sterilization.

Filmmaker Lorna Tucker features the testimony of many Native Americans, including three remarkable women who tell their stories including Jean Whitehorse who will be in attendance.

Included is a revealing and rare interview with Dr. Reimart Ravenholt whose population control ideas were the framework for some of the government policies directed at Native American women.

Email bmartin@gallupnm.gov or call 505-863-1291 for more information.

November Film Series – Drunktown’s Finest

Wednesday, November 13th at 5:30 p.m.

Join us at the Main Library for a FREE film screening. Free popcorn and drinks are provided.

Synopsis:

Three young Native Americans – an adopted Christian girl, a rebellious father-to-be, and a promiscuous transsexual – strive to escape the hardships of life on an Indian reservation.

About the Film:
  • Year Released: 2014
  • Rating: NR
  • Duration: 1 hr. 35 mins.
  • Genre: Drama
OFPL does not own the rights to this video. Courtesy of YouTube.

November Film Series – Remember the Titans

Wednesday, November 6th at 5:30 p.m.

Join us at the Main Library for a FREE film screening. Free popcorn and drinks are provided.

Synopsis:

The true story of a newly appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit.

About the Film:
  • Year Released: 2000
  • Rating: PG
  • Duration: 1 hr. 53 mins.
  • Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
OFPL does not own the rights to this video. Courtesy of YouTube.

Fright Fest Movie Marathon

Get your scare on and celebrate Halloween the right way with an all-day movie marathon on Thursday, October 31st. See the dark side of urban legends with this collection of Frightful Films. Snacks served throughout the day.

Slender Man (2018)

Start Time: 10:00 a.m.

In a small town in Massachusetts, a group of friends, fascinated by the internet lore of the Slender Man, attempt to prove that he doesn’t actually exist – until one of them mysteriously goes missing.

  • Rating: PG-13
  • Duration: 1 hr. 33 mins.
  • Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
OFPL does not own the rights to this video. Courtesy from YouTube.

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The Curse of La Llorona (2019)

Ignoring the eerie warning of a troubled mother suspected of child endangerment, a social worker and her own small kids are soon drawn into a frightening supernatural realm.

  • Rating: R
  • Duration: 1 hr. 33 mins.
  • Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
OFPL does not own the rights to this video. Courtesy from YouTube.

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Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)

Ernest accidentally unleashes an ugly troll that plots to transform children into wooden dolls in the town of Briarville, Missouri.

  • Rating: PG
  • Duration: 1 hr. 31 mins.
  • Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
OFPL does not own the rights to this video. Courtesy from YouTube.

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Boo 2! A Madea Halloween (2017)

Madea, Bam, and Hattie venture to a haunted campground and the group must run for their lives when monsters, goblins, and the boogeyman are unleashed.

  • Rating: PG-13
  • Duration: 1 hr. 41 mins.
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama, Horror
OFPL does not own the rights to this video. Courtesy from YouTube.

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Pet Sematary (2019)

Dr. Louis Creed and his wife, Rachel, relocate from Boston to rural Maine with their two young children. The couple soon discovers a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near their new home.

  • Rating: R
  • Duration: 1 hr. 41 mins.
  • Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
OFPL does not own the rights to this video. Courtesy from YouTube.

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October Film Series – Ma

Wednesday, October 30th at 5:30 p.m.

Join us at the Main Library for a FREE film screening. Free popcorn and drinks are provided.

Synopsis:

A lonely woman befriends a group of teenagers and decides to let them party at her house. Just when the kids think their luck couldn’t get any better, things start happening that make them question the intention of their host.

About the Film:
  • Year Released: 2019
  • Rating: R
  • Duration: 1 hr. 39 mins.
  • Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
OFPL does not own the rights to this video. Courtesy of YouTube.

October Film Series – Once Were Warriors

Wednesday, October 23rd at 5:30 p.m.

Join us at the Main Library for a FREE film screening. Free popcorn and drinks are provided.

Synopsis:

A family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts.

About the Film:
  • Year Released: 1994
  • Rating: R
  • Duration: 1 hr. 42 mins.
  • Genre: Crime, Drama
OFPL does not own the rights to this video. Courtesy of YouTube.