(Chris Eyre, US 1998, 89 min., 35mm)
As important to the history of independent filmmaking as to Indigenous cinematic voices, when first released, this film was promoted as the first feature written, directed, produced, and acted by Native Americans. But first time director Eyre's handling of Sherman Alexie's witty screenplay transcends such easy labels. This charming coming-of-age movie is about an unlikely friendship between two young men on a road trip off their reservation. Together, they try to make sense of their haunted pasts. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won two awards, the film brings together established actors such as Elaine Miles, Gary Farmer, and Tantoo Cardinal with a new generation of actors including the lead performances of Adam Beach, Irene Bedard, and Evan Admas to form a multi-generational story of grief and redemption.
35mm print from the George Eastman Museum collection.
This screening is Free to All.