I chose to review the American Indian Film Institute
website which was established in 1975 to recognize and empower Native American
voices through media. The idea behind the film institute is to bring Indian life
to all communities. In today’s age with how technology has evolved the film institute
is there to bring awareness to all cultures by sharing the Native American
culture. The American Indian Film Institute states, “Just as National American
Indian Heritage Month celebrates the rich culture and diversity of this
nation’s first people. The American Indian Film Institute celebrates filmmakers
whose dedication and commitment is to putting back into the American equation –
American Indians as contemporary forces and a people of interest devoid of the
usual stereotypes, images and symbols. Leading to further education and
enlightenment of the public”( aifisf.com/presscenter). The site gives a good
listing of past movies which I feel would be interesting to view for this
course and to learn more about the native experience.
I think many of the online resources suggested for review
in module three encompass everything from Native American literary works to Native
American laws and culture. A quality academic web site is one that a scholarly
society, association and university have recognized in some way. I believe the
web resource I reviewed is a good choice for a scholarly website. It was not endorsed by an one university but
it has a strong following with many Native American societies.
My view on Native American communities has not
changed that much since the beginning of the course but I have learned that
many of the Native American communities researched are trying to change the way
that non natives view them. This has been done through media such as the
website listed above and through art, novels and museums which bring the Native
American story and culture to life.
"American Indian Film Institute.”. 2012
American Indian Film Institute. Web. 19 Mar 2013. <http://aifisf.com/>.
Excellent post. Every time I see the name American Indian Film Institute I am reminded of an old friend who has went on to do great things, some in film, and "Dances With Wolves " At the start of the course many of our classmates talked about the affect that particular movie had on them. I watched the movie and my friends talked and talked about it. The importance of Native actors actually playing Natives, what different films with Natives in it, or made by Natives, meant to them, etc... It made me see things from a different perspective. I am so glad that the Film Institute was created and is still there for future generation of Native film makers.
ReplyDeleteI agree it is a good thing that the Native American Institute was started it has brought about many good films for everyone to enjoy. I just re watched "Dances with Wolves" during the start of this module. Very good movie.
ReplyDeleteLoved your post. That's amazing that there's a film institute directly related to Native Americans. It helps give them a voice through the media, which is good being that the media is one of the most common form of communication. Speaking of Dances with Wolves, I will definitely check that out since I never seen it before.
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda,
Delete"Dances With Wolves" (1990), was a fantastic movie, each time it's on, I always watch it. However, the perspective is that of a non-Native Soldier (Kevin costner), and although you can empathize with the Native peoples in the moive, it still isn't written from their, his, or her, point of view. I would definitely recommend watching it, but organizations such as AIFI are great in that they are promoting movies made by Native Americans, as well as teaching and providing opportunities to Native peoples in the film industry, which means in front of and behind the camera. They even offer a program called Tribal Touring which benefits youth to learn about the tools of the business, providing training for behind the scenes careers, etc.
I don't know of any movies from an authentic perspective of a Native American, but then again, maybe I'm just not aware of any. I stress the word authentic though!
Hi did a similar post to yours about the AIFI, and I liked how you spoke about today's technology. Now we have access to so many media outlets that the opportunities are endless for Native Americans to showcase their abilities in front of and behind the camera. The internet is a way of life now, web episodes could be utilized to bring Native oral traditions to life and now a days kids even do this starting out with basic materials, so there is room for Native Americans to thrive in this industry.
ReplyDelete