Indigenous Voices in Film

Indigenous Voices in Film explores and highlights the work of Indigenous peoples at the intersection of film, video art, and media arts. Supported by a generous grant from the Terra Foundation for American Art to broaden the understanding of American art history, this project is committed to presenting films and video art created by Indigenous peoples, as well as with advancing critical discussion of these works in the region and within the museum field.

A mix of emerging and established filmmakers present an afternoon of short films that tell stories from or connected to Northern California. After the screenings, filmmakers discuss working in the shorts format, developing feature length films, and crossing over into television and streaming.

Long Line of Ladies, directed by Rayka Zehtabchi and Shaandiin Tome
A girl and her community prepare for her Ihuk, the once-dormant coming-of-age ceremony of the Karuk tribes of Northern California.

The Wind Telephone, directed by Jody Stillwater
A playful, occasionally dark, and emotional dance film about girl-child Micah, who has built a spectrum of imaginary friends to replace her parents, each of which help pave a path back to her heart.