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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

Artist Demonstration

Jerry Brown and MB

Art is all in the family!

Join us at Children’s Branch on Saturday, November 16th at 3:00 p.m. for an interactive artist demonstration with award-winning Diné artist Jerry Brown and his daughter, MB.

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

Visit Jerry Brown and MB’s website HERE.

Navajo Rug Weaving Class

Diné weaver Lois A. Becenti with Diné Be’iiná – The Navajo Lifeway will hose a FREE Navajo Rug Weaving Class/Spin-Off on the third Friday of every month.

Don’t miss the next class on Friday, November 15th at the Main Library from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Learn the fundamentals and techniques of rug weaving in traditional Diné style, including warping, carding, and spinning. Please bring your own weaving materials and snacks. Beginning and advanced weavers are welcome.

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.

Shimá Storytelling

Join us at the Children’s Branch on Wednesday, November 13th at 10:30 a.m. for Shimá Storytelling. Shimá Storytelling is an active and engaging program for children of all ages featuring storytelling, singing, and activities in Diné Bizaad (Navajo language).

We are a team of Mothers who are actively involved in strengthening k’é through the revitalization of the Diné language beginning first at home with our little ones.

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

We READ, We TALK Book Club – November

The last discussion of House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea will take place in the Main Library on Saturday, November 9th at 2:00 p.m.

The story of Pulitzer Prize finalist is about the De La Cruzes, a family on the Mexican-American border, who celebrate two of their most beloved relatives during a joyous and bittersweet weekend.

Get ready for great conversations, good food and tons of fun!

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

Gallup-opoly Family Game Night

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to the Main Library on Thursday, November 7th at 6:00 p.m. for another exciting night of Team Gallup-opoly! We will have snacks, Gallup-opoly game boards, and teams of people to take over Gallup.

Do you have what it takes to build an empire and rile Gallup?

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