Source

Starting this weekend NOV. 7-15 in SAN FRANCISCO, CA

The American Indian Film Institute (AIFI) proudly announce the 33rd annual American Indian Film Festival, November 7-15. As the nation’s most prominent outlet for Native American films, the American Indian Film Festival will premiere over 80 new feature films, shorts, public service, music videos and documentaries of USA American Indian and Canada First Nation communities.Among the feature films, the U.S. Premiere of Drew Hayden Taylor’s In a World Created By A Drunken God , Nov.7; World Premiere of “Coloring the Media”, Nov. 13 ; and U.S. Premiere of Zacharias Kunuk’s (Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner), Before Tomorrow will screen Friday Nov. 14.The 2008 American Indian Film Festival, presented over nine days, will run Nov. 7-12 at the Landmark Embarcadero Center Cinema, One Embarcadero Center, Promenade Level; and conclude Nov. 13-15 at the Palace of Fine Arts,3301 Lyon St. @ Bay Street.A special film and music tribute “Remembering Floyd Red Crow Westerman (1936-2007)” will be presented November 13 at the Palace of Fine Arts. Westerman was an accomplished singer/songwriter whose 1969 debut album “ Custer Died for Your Sins” earned critical acclaim. He also was a human rights activist who performed with Sting in the rainforest benefits; and actor receiving world-wide attention and acclaim as “Ten Bears” in Kevin Costner’s Dances with Wolves. The music tribute will be directed by Indian songwriter/performer Keith Secola and hosted by comic Charlie Hill and Max Gail.

On Friday Nov. 14 at Theater 39@Pier 39, AIFI’s Tribal Touring Program, a Native youth film workshop program supported by tribal host partners, will showcase 16 films from the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians, Brooks, CA; Stop the Violence Coalition, Hoopa, CA; and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Rohnert Park, CA. ADMISSION IS FREE.

AIFI’s American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show, beginning at 6:00pm, honoring filmmakers and showcasing contemporary Native American talent, will be held on Saturday November 15 at the Palace of Fine Arts.

Guest awards host include actors Michael Horse, Tonantzin Carmelo and Michael Spears. Fourteen awards will be presented including Best Film, Best Actor and Best Documentary. The awards show is an eclectic mix of live entertainment by established and emerging Native artists and performers. The line-up includes: New country artist Crystal Shawanda, You Can Let Go (single) -Dawn of a New Day CD, recording artist Shea Keck along with Grammy award winner Micki Free, violinist Swil Kanim, Yaaw Tei Yi Tlingit dancers from Juneau,AK, comic Drew LaCapa, and singer Claude McKenzie.

A complete schedule is available on our website www.aifisf.com. All programs are open to the general public and will require tickets for admission.

Advance Tickets available thru AIFI: 415-554-0525 visa & mastercard. On-site tickets available at the following theater venues (on day of show.)

The 2008- 33rd Annual American Indian Film Festival is sponsored by: Seminole Tribe of Florida;Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians,CA; San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, CA; Jackson Rancheria,CA; SantaYnez Band of Chumash Indians,CA; Two Rivers Circle,CA; Ak-Chin Indian Community,AZ;CBS, NY; Fox Diversity,CA; International Gaming Technology(IGT), NV; NBC Universal,CA; Oneida Indian Nation, NY; Salt River Pima –Maricopa Indian Community,AZ; 29 Palms Band of Mission Indians; Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians,CA; Wells Fargo Bank, CA; Landmark Theatres; San Francisco Grants for the Arts; San Francisco Arts Commission; San Francisco Bay Guardian; and KQED TV-9.