| |
|
Archive for September, 2007
Thursday, September 20th, 2007
 TRICKSTERFILMS is pleased to invite you to two screenings of their documentary film Weaving Worlds, featured as part of the 2007 “Weaving Worlds Exhibit” September 14 - 29, 2007 at the Mexican American Cultural Center in Austin, Texas. As part of the exhibit, Navajo weavers featured in the film will exhibit their works for sale as part of the Cultural Center’s grand opening on September 15, 2007. Weaving Worlds director Bennie Klain will screen short segments from the film at 2 p.m., followed by weaving demonstrations by Lorraine Herder, Gilbert Begay, and Audrey Narindrankura. Klain comments, “We’re excited to be granted this rare opportunity to screen the film in an environment where the audience will not only be able to see a preview of the movie, but to also meet the actual weavers and see their beautiful work.” Weaving Worlds will then screen in its entirety later in September to accompany the exhibit through September 29 at the newly opened Mexican American Cultural Center in East Austin, Texas.
WEAVING WORLDS screens on September 22 and 29, 2007 at 1 pm in Austin, Texas at the Mexican American Cultural Center at 600 River Street, Austin, TX 78701. The screening is free and open to the public. The film runs one hour and is mostly in the Navajo language with English subtitles.
The 2007 Weaving Worlds Exhibit takes place at the Mexican American Cultural Center at 600 River Street, Austin TX 78701 from September 14 - 29, 2007. The celebration is sponsored by Native Horizons Media and Arts, Great Promise, Austin PowWow, The City of Austin, the Mexican American Cultural Center, Austin Parks and Recreation, Tricksterfilms, and Texas Folklife Resources.
Thursday, September 20th, 2007
photo: Ken Ige (Star Bulletin)
As everyone knows, NAICA is a strident supporter of indigenous contemporary art practice and filmmaking, and as one of the only online magazines offering coverage of high art and fine independent cinema for free with a global indigenous (pseudo) academic slant, we are inundated with requests for friendship via our Myspace page. It’s hard to choose who shall be blessed with a “top friends” spot. We know all too well: feelings get hurt. It’s an ugly post-Millenium truth that cyber-friendships are just as difficult and rife with drama as they are in real-time. That brings us to a recent upset in the precarious balance of Myspace friendship equity.
In a recent post it was revealed that NAICA’s favored Native son/musical genius (Frontier Justice, anyone?) Val Kilmer removed all Native Americans, including John Trudell and Tatanka Means (Russell Means’ son), from his Top 28 friends list. This seeming slight has sent a shock though-out Indian Country. Apache Indian, Sonny Grant, remarked, “I really can not believe Val would move John out of his Top friends list. I just spent three minutes talking to John Trudell last week and he seemed aglow in the friendship light that was his association with being Val Kilmer’s #1 friend on Myspace.”
When asked if Trudell was aware of the change in his friend status Grant said he was uncertain if Trudell was aware of this new development as he himself had not heard of it until Longviews told him so. However, Grant did say he was certain that if Trudell knew of this he’d write one hell of a scathing indictment/spoken word poem/song that would bring Kilmer to shameful tears.
Cyber-slights are the most vicious because one cannot retaliate in any effective manner other than to post a bulletin which inevitably makes one look like a tool. Therefore, in an effort to re-unite these two revered Native men in cyber-friendship NAICA has vowed to intermittenly interchange Trudell and Kilmer as their Number 1 and Number 2 friends. Hopefully, this sad event in inter-tribal relations can be remedied concilatorily and the Indian removal from Myspace Top 28, or 38, or even 58 can finally stop.
We can only hope.
To all our relations. We are all one family.
(unless you’re non-Native than you’re assed out homes!)
NOTE: No one in Indian Country truly cares about Val Kilmer’s Myspace pages or who his friends are…actually Longviews cannot confirm that this statement is true nor any statements made here in this post or any other post on this blog site.
Thursday, September 20th, 2007
This just in:
a recent perusal of the imagineNATIVE film + media arts festival website revealed that members of NAICA’s delegated press will miss the screening of the Gwendolyn Cates documentary, Water Flowing Together, about New York City Ballet principle dancer, Jock Soto (a Puerto Rican Nav). The film will screen at 7pm on October 18th, EST. It will most likely prove to be the most compellingfilm for NAICA editor, Maria Colon who, like Jock Soto, is of mixed-Boricua heritage.
Upon receiving the news she exclaimed, “Que horror! No puedo soportarlo! No puedo creerlo! No puedo pensar en mas palabras idioticas para decir sobre esta tragedia! Pero yo soy boricua y esta significa el hecho que conduzco bien rapido. En este caso hay la chance que llegaramos antes que sale la pelicula. pue’ vamo’ a ver”
So, the gauntlet is thrown!
The delegates, which include New York residents Maria Colon (me), Torry Mendoza, Sonny Grant, and special guest, Renee Gick flying in from Dallas Texas. Can they make it to Toronto from New York City before 7pm? Will the road north be congested with slow ass drivers? Will the roads be crawling with state troopers out to make a fast buck? Will the chain smokers who make up 2/3rds of the delegates need copious smoke breaks (because Zipcar doesn’t allow for smoking inside their cars hint hint)? Will they even manage to get in the car and on the road by 8am?
Only time, and absence of drinking the night before, will tell…….stay tuned.
Wednesday, September 19th, 2007
Gary Farmer is coming to New York City! He’ll be on hand with his band the Troublemakers playing music at the American Indian Community House (www.aich.org). Ostensibly this is a visual arts event curated by the man himself, but you know you really want to go just to see ole Nobody himself blow on his harmonica.
I know NAICA will be there!
Gallery Exhibition: Risen From the Ashes of Two Fires
A Solo Exhibition: Jay Carrier
Friday, October 12 — Wednesday, November 21 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Guest Curator: Gary Farmer
Opening Reception: October 12, 6 - 8 pm
Gallery Talk: October 12, 7 pm
photo: courtesy www.garyfarmergallery.com
Wednesday, September 19th, 2007
 after a recent internet stalking excursion it was revealed that NAICA’s favorite Native American, Val Kilmer, has removed all actual Native Americans from his top friends list on Myspace replacing them with pseudo-thong models, New Age middle age moms, and Laurie Anderson. NAICA can not blame the original Cherokilmer for his inclusion of Ms. Anderson for she shares her bed with Lou Reed, and who wouldn’t want to promote friendship with the first lady of first-wave feminist performance art and the woman who beds down with Reed? But, what’s up with all the thong models and New Age moms?
It is sad to note, however, that Native activist/poet John Trudell is no longer Kilmer’s number one friend on Myspace. He held that coveted position for at least two months this summer. NAICA wonders what precipitated the complete removal of Trudell, and other truly Native Native Americans, from Kilmer’s Top 28 friends?
It is hard to tell. But the fact that Val Kilmer’s “Val Kilmer’s Music page” has been installed as Val Kilmer’s number one friend offers clues-keeping one’s priorities straight may be the culprit. Afterall, promoting one’s own musical endeavors is more favorable than promoting the musical endeavors of others. Or perhaps Kilmer is jealous of Trudell for cyphoning the affections of one, Angelina Jolie?
Only Kilmer knows.
NOTE: NAICA has never been in Val Kilmer’s top 28 list o’ friends, but he shall remain our number 3 for the foreseeable future.
NAICA, in no way, promotes an association with Laurie Anderson, not even through Myspace.
photo: wireimage.com
Thursday, September 13th, 2007
Wednesday, September 5th, 2007
Tuesday, September 4th, 2007
Sorry so late kids. I was busy trying to scare up enough money for rent and other essentials, you know how the song goes,
its a hard knock life... Anyways, on Monday August 27th I attended La Casita-a multicultural spectacle-in front of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in New York City. The NMAI is one of those huge stone structures erected by rich white people in an attempt to debase the status of non-whites. It is nonetheless a beautiful building in spite of its inference. The stairs leading to the main entrance was crowded with pink people, random tourists, Native Americans–real and pretend–harried Wall Street types and all other folks. The evening was nigh and the weather obliged the endeavor.
I arrived a wee bit after the first act which consisted of a conglomeration of indigenous people jumping up and down. I have seen and heard this before in many subway stations around New York. Therefore I cannot say with absolute sincerity that I gave a shit about this performance. Alas nearly ten years in New York has made me jaded. A really sun burnt woman with white hair oscillated to the music next to me. I could tell she really loved Indians, especially little cute ones blowing pan flutes. I call this type of aficionado a Bushbaum, you know a collector of others…yikes…she’ll not only buy your rug but your soul…look out…keep your cute little indin kids at home!
Up next was the venerable Joy Harjo. She was clad in black holding a saxophone with hands corrugated with veins, her flesh imbued with ink with various designs. She peformed a piece titled 1967 Indian School. Unfortunately I missed most of her performance becuase too many people kept talking to me, “No, I don’t remember you and your breathe smells like shit!” I really did not say that (but you should have Sonny!). For her finale, Stevie Nicks, umm I mean Joy Harjo, swirled about and disappeared into a multicolored mural tapestry designed by Manuel Vega.
The evening could have easily moved toward pretension but instead the audience was offered comic relief by the Aztec storyteller Micheal Heralda. He spent the majority of his performance pontificating the virtues of TORTILLA’S! I was transported back to day camp, “I wanna go home!”
Trying not to roll my eyes too many times, Heralda chastised the audience because we didn’t know what some Spanish word was? Duh! At this moment I must admit I preferred pretension to condescension. Bye…Bye…next. In stark contrast John Trudell brought an air of urgency or was it because the stage manager was threatening him with a clock? I was struck by his size, how could a man of slight stature be so intimidating? I retrospectively surmised it is because he tells the stories of those that cannot speak. Every phrase he uttered rang like an indictment:
“Shaman (make a chant), Theres a Name and History, Maybe dead to this reality, Talks to Ghost, Guns and Money, Spiritual Nudity.”
These words stung and festered in my psyche instigating an alarming parade of imagery and discourse. Flash Back: the land we stand upon is covered in grass, the stone and concrete edifices along Broadway are still conjecture, the sighting of masts in the harbor commences our strife. Quite frankly I was overwhelmed. An existential mind fuck! Whew…mean butch stage manager appears…Trudell’s time is up! What he just began! After his performance I sheepishly approached Trudell…”Do you have a moment?” He adjusted his cap and said, “Barely.” Uh okay “A quick picture?” Again I noted how small he was. “Alright, What are your latest projects?” He sighed heavily, “Im releasing a new CD, The Madness and MoreMe’s on the internet September 8th.” Cool! “What or how do you feel about new media i.e. MySpace–how is that opening your view point to a larger audience?” I think he rolled his eyes, “I don’t know enough about it, but would like to explore the potentional for more possibilities.”
Shortly he migrated toward a gaggle of well wishers as I looked on. One of them eagerly exclaimed, “I’m your biggest fan!”
Monday, September 3rd, 2007
. . . . . . . . . . .
New deadline to submit: September 7, 2007, 5:00 pm
Attention filmmakers and artists:
With the 2007 Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival Call for Submissions generating such an enthusiastic response from around the globe, we are now extending our deadline until September 7, 2007.
Visit www.aboriginalfilmfest.org now to download a 2007 entry form, or use our online submission application.
–
6th Annual Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival
November 15-18, 2007
www.aboriginalfilmfest.org
1-204-774-1375 or 1-204-880-5381
Sunday, September 2nd, 2007
October 17th – 21st, 2007
Announces Opening and Closing Night Galas
www.imagineNATIVE.org (website launching September 1, 2007)
Indigenous filmmakers and media artists step up to the spotlight at the 8th Annual imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, which runs in Toronto from Wednesday, October 17th until Sunday, October 21st, 2007.
This year the festival showcases more than 125 works by Indigenous people at the forefront of innovation in film, video, radio and new media from around the globe.
Opening the five-day festival will be the Canadian premiere of the Sundance hit FOUR SHEETS TO THE WIND, the feature debut by Sterlin Harjo. Beautifully crafted and set under gorgeous Oklahoma skies, this poignant and wryly funny story of family and healing begins the morning Cufe Smallhill (Cody Lightning) finds his father quieter than usual, an empty bottle of pills at his side. Fulfilling his dad’s wish, Cufe sinks his father’s body in the pond to spare him the big circus of a funeral. Cufe, his cousin, and mom decide to fake a funeral to satisfy the community, and Cufe’s beautiful and tormented sister MIri (Tamara Podemski) comes home just long enough to convince Cufe to leave the reserve and visit her in the city. Once there, shy Cufe meets a girl who gently opens up his world. This film was honoured with a Special Jury Prize for Acting at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival for Torontonian Tamara Podemski, marking not only the first time a First Nations Actor has won an award for acting at Sundance, but also a first for any Canadian actress.
Also screening on opening night is the world premiere of renowned Canadian author Thomas King’s first film, I’M NOT THE INDIAN YOU HAD IN MIND. Produced by Big Soul Productions, this spoken word video explores the stereotypical portrayal of First Nations people in the media and offers insight into how First Nations people today are changing old ideas and empowering themselves in the greater community. This year’s opening night gala sponsor is CTVglobemedia.
The imagineNATIVE closing night film will be the world premiere of TKARONTO, the feature film debut of local Métis writer-director Shane Belcourt. The film is a reflective and thought-provoking exploration of two Aboriginal thirty-somethings, who make an unexpected connection at the pinnacle of a common struggle: to stake claim to their urban Aboriginal identity. This super-indie feature was made in just eight months from script to post-production with a cast and crew of 10 on a meager $20,000 total budget. It is a first exploration of Shane Belcourt’s Métis heritage in a narrative work, one heavily influenced by the legacy of the filmmaker’s father, Métis Rights leader, Tony Belcourt. The closing night gala is sponsored by the Independent Film Channel (IFC).
“The imagineNATIVE Festival is a unique opportunity for Indigenous artists from across the globe to share stories past, present and future using contemporary media. Audiences of all backgrounds will be challenged, surprised and inspired by the diverse and innovative work on offer,” says imagineNATIVE Interim Executive Director Kerry Swanson.
About the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is an international festival that celebrates the latest works by Indigenous peoples at the forefront of innovation in film, video, radio, and new media. Each fall in Toronto, the festival presents a selection of the most compelling, distinctive Indigenous works from around the globe. The festival’s screenings, parties, panel discussions, and cultural events attract and connect filmmakers, media artists, programmers, buyers, and industry professionals. The accepted woks reflect the diversity of the world’s Indigenous nations and illustrate the vitality and excellence of our art and cultures in contemporary media.
For more information, please visit us at www.imagineNATIVE.org
Tickets are available starting October 1st at the Festival Box Office at the Manulife Centre (main floor, north entrance) 55 Bloor Street West (southeast corner of Bloor and Bay), 416 967 1528.
|
|
|
|
|
|
