Reclaiming the Narrative: The Rise of Indigenous FilmmakingIndigenous people have been telling stories for centuries longer than the film industry has existed. Yet historically, Hollywood has ignored them. Throughout the 20th century, American movies largely portrayed indigenous people in limited, often non-speaking roles, and mostly confined them to narratives about the 19th century period of frontier expansion. In 1998, Smoke Signals—the first film with a national theatrical release written, directed, co-produced, and acted by Native Americans—inspired a wave of indigenous filmmakers to produce films about their communities set in the present day. About 25 years later, more indigenous filmmakers than ever before are getting the greenlight to make TV shows and movies.

Reclaiming the Narrative: The Rise of Indigenous Filmmaking

A Shift in Representation

The current golden age of indigenous films is the result of a long-overdue shift in representation. Decades of activism, including the viral Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline from 2016 to 2017 and a push to make more films that represent the diversity of American life after the 2020 murder of George Floyd, have paved the way for this remarkable transformation. The success of shows like Reservation Dogs and Rutherford Falls, comedies that closely observed contemporary Native American life, has further bolstered this golden age, debuting in 2021 to critical acclaim.

Amplifying Indigenous Voices

"So many films are getting made, and so many voices are being heard," says Sterlin Harjo, a Seminole and Muscogee filmmaker and the creator of the Emmy-nominated Reservation Dogs. "I've seen short films recently that are going to blow people away. We finally have the freedom to be ourselves and tell our stories." This newfound freedom has allowed indigenous filmmakers to explore a diverse range of genres, from thrillers and documentaries to horror movies and love stories, each offering a unique perspective on indigenous life.

Reclaiming the Narrative

The rise of indigenous filmmaking is not just about representation; it's about reclaiming the narrative. For decades, Hollywood has perpetuated harmful stereotypes and limited portrayals of indigenous people. But now, indigenous filmmakers are taking control of their own stories, shattering these outdated tropes and offering a more authentic and nuanced depiction of their communities.

Challenging Assumptions

From the haunting exploration of the lasting effects of residential boarding schools in Older Than America to the gripping sci-fi allegory of Night Raiders, these films challenge assumptions and push the boundaries of what audiences expect from indigenous storytelling. They delve into the complexities of indigenous identity, exploring themes of assimilation, displacement, and the resilience of indigenous cultures in the face of adversity.

Celebrating Diversity

The current wave of indigenous filmmaking also celebrates the diversity within indigenous communities. Films like Drunktown's Finest, which features an openly transgender indigenous character, and Fancy Dance, which sheds light on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women, showcase the rich tapestry of indigenous experiences and identities.

Preserving and Sharing Culture

Beyond just entertainment, these films also serve as a means of preserving and sharing indigenous cultures. Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, a film in the Inuktitut language with an all-Inuit cast, and Malni: Towards the Ocean, Towards the Shore, which explores the Chinuk wawa language, offer audiences a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse cultural traditions of indigenous peoples.

A Promising Future

The future of indigenous filmmaking looks brighter than ever. With more indigenous filmmakers gaining access to resources and platforms, the potential for even more groundbreaking stories and perspectives is immense. As Sterlin Harjo so eloquently put it, "We finally have the freedom to be ourselves and tell our stories." And as audiences eagerly await the next wave of indigenous cinematic masterpieces, it's clear that this is just the beginning of a remarkable cultural renaissance.