the American Indian Film Festival® has been a pillar in San Francisco for Independent film, showcasing cutting edge cinema by and about Native Peoples. This year the festival continues its legacy presenting nearly 60 innovative feature films, narrative and animated shorts, music videos and documentaries in its upcoming 48th Annual American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco and East Bay venues.

Schedule

November 3, 2023

7:00 PM : Bones of Crows

Cree matriarch Aline Spears survives a childhood in Canada’s residential school system to continue her family’s generational fight in the face of systemic starvation, racism, and sexual abuse. She uses her uncanny ability to understand and translate codes into working for a special division of the Canadian Air Force as a Cree code talker in World War II. The story unfolds over 100 years with a cumulative force that propels us into the future.

November 4, 2023

Dramatic Shorts

11:30 PM : Calling

A would be couple have an instant connection and live out their love story in two different time lines or two different life times. The environment around them will play a factor in their ability to connect.

11:30 PM : Metal Belt

A Peyote Western set in 1860s New Mexico territory, METAL BELT recounts a story about the American Indian slave trade in the southwest and one Navajo woman's fight for freedom and her spiritual journey home.

11:30 PM : The Handsome Man

When River meets a stranger who calls himself "The Handsome Man," on the borders of her reservation, she invites him home, and all manner of commotion ensues. Can Grandpa restore balance to the family and heal a generations' old curse

11:30 PM : Redlights

An evening out takes a dramatic turn for two Indigenous women, Tina and Amber, when Amber is suddenly taken into police custody. Fearing the worst, Tina tails the cruiser outside city limits and makes a courageous choice to free her friend.

11:30 AM : Ohskennón:ten Owí:ra ( Little Deer )

On Christmas Eve, 1967, two young Indigenous girls are forced to battle the elements, confront their darkest secrets and work together in order to return home to their families after a daring escape from the Mohawk Institute Residential School. This harrowing coming-of-age story was developed with survivors of the Mohawk Institute and is based on their real experiences.

11:30 AM : Two Worlds

With the disappearance of their sister Claire Walker. Jeannie Walker (Sister) and Colt Walker (Father) must continue to search for their missing family member on the Salt River Indian Reservation.

Jeannie and Colt, riddled with the pain and many weeks missing, a new rising disappearance of a white girl from Scottsdale, Arizona, a boarding town to Salt River is getting high amounts of attention for their disappearance case.

Animation

1:00 PM : Heart Like a Pow Wow

Heart Like A Pow Wow explores the depths of grief from an Anishinaabe perspective of love and family. Viewers are called to witness Spirit as they shift to physical form while embodying the love that precedes grief and inevitably foreshadows it.

1:00 PM : Tiny

Tiny is a contemplative stop motion film which tells the story of ‘Nakwaxda’xw Elder Colleen Hemphill's childhood. The film portrays modern day Colleen as she reflects on her past, and re-enacts the stories she tells of her youth, as a young girl growing up on a float-house in the wild and unpredictable Pacific Northwest and its waters. As she retells her story, Colleen notices how different her way of life was when she was young, and how much more harmonious her community was with nature. The film aims to celebrate the life and identity of Colleen by sharing the gift of her presence and stories with audiences.

1:00 PM : A Bear Named Jesus

At Archer’s Aunty Gladys’ funeral, he hears a tap on the window — it’s a bear named Jesus, who has come for Archer’s mom. “A Bear Named Jesus” is an allegory for religious interference, with an aching yet humorous look at estrangement and mourning for the loss of someone still living.

1:00 PM : Grape Soda in the Parking Lot

Taqralik Partridge asks what if every language that had been lost to English — every word, every syllable — grew up out of the ground in flowers? Taqralik’s grandmother’s Scottish Gaelic and her father’s Inuktitut unfold in memories of her family, of pain, and of love.

Rosie

3:00 PM : Happy Thanksgiving

A Native American man takes a Happy Thanksgiving wish from a bank teller so personally, his rage drives him to carry out a bizarre revenge plan.

3:00 PM : Dating Indian

Tara is happy she can finally bring a Native boyfriend home to her family, only to find out the night before that he's not really Native.

3:00 PM : MFTF

A man pays the consequences for not taking care of his teeth.

3:00 PM : ROSIE

A film about family, love, and misfits, ROSIE tells the story of a young, orphaned, Indigenous girl who is forced to live with her reluctant, street-smart Aunty Fred (Frédérique). Rosie is thrust into the fringes of 1980's Montreal into the care of Fred, who just lost her job, is on the verge of eviction, and who looks and sounds nothing like her. Fred, an artist who creates art from found and discarded objects or other peoples' trash, introduces Rosie to her two best friends Flo and Mo. In the end, Rosie transforms the lives of these colourful characters and finds love, acceptance, and a true HOME with her new chosen family of glittering outsiders.

November 5, 2023

Women Leading the Way

1:30 PM : Lily Gladstone: Far Out There

Follow Native American actress Lily Gladstone as she shares her love of her craft and prepares for the release of her highest profile Hollywood film to date. Gladstone shares with us how her foundation and making her voice heard as a professional actor shapes her career, and her understanding of the profession.

1:30 PM : Janelle Niles: Inconvenient

Janelle Niles is a Black, Mi'kmaw, two-spirited woman from Sipekne'katik First Nation in Nova Scotia and a stand-up comedian. Despite a tumultuous upbringing, Janelle embraces her biracial experience and queer identity, using stand-up to usher in a new era of inclusive, Canadian comedy.

1:30 PM : Cara Romero: Following the Light

A documentary on contemporary fine art photographer Cara Romero. An enrolled citizen of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, Romero was raised between contrasting settings: the rural Chemehuevi reservation in Mojave Desert, CA and the urban sprawl of Houston, TX. Romero’s identity informs her photography, a blend of fine art and editorial photography, shaped by years of study and a visceral approach to representing Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural memory, collective history, and lived experiences from a Native American female perspective.

"Following the Light" explores Cara's development as a photographer, delves into the Chemehuevi and California Indigenous history that informs her work, includes behind-the-scenes footage of Cara's shoots, and features interviews with leading Indigenous artists: Cara herself, husband and famed Pueblo potter Diego Romero, collaborator and place-based artist Leah Mata Fragua (Northern Chumash), National Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (Mvskoke Nation), multidisciplinary artist Cannupa Hanska Luger (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Lakota), and more. Original musical score by Jason Goodyear.

1:30 PM : Broadcasting Native Voices: Mary Jean Robertson

Mary Jean Robertson has been a native voice on the airwaves in San Francisco for 50 years. Mary Jean shares why it is important for Native people to have space and how she works to amplify native voices through her radio show.

For the Love of the Game: Part 1

3:30 PM : The Fighter | Nin Kamashitshet

André-Charles is a boxer. Sports changed his life. He hopes his journey will inspire others to regain their pride and hold their heads high when facing life's adversities.

3:30 PM : Aitamaako'tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun

A thrilling portrait of a young Siksika woman and the deep bonds between her father and family in the golden plains of Blackfoot Territory as she prepares for one of the most dangerous horse races in the world on bareback.

A sport for the truly brave, Logan Red Crow is an Indian Relay rider who vaults from horse to horse in short, exhilarating races. She is a champion in the making -besides her skill and sheer grit, Logan has a loving family, an elite group of horses, and a home on her ancestral lands. Those are invaluable, but this rider will need more for victory.

With the dual pleasures of serenity and suspense: lyrical immersion in rural life alternates with thrilling race footage. As she pushes toward her goal, the connections between animal and human, family and community, ancestral tradition and contemporary life are profound and lasting.

November 6, 2023

10:30 AM : Weckuwapasihtit (Those Yet to Come)

On the Eastern reaches of the occupied territory now referred to as North America, the children of Koluskap call upon ancestral teachings to guide them. Revitalizing cultural practices kept from their elders, Peskotomuhkati young people lead an intergenerational process of healing through the reclamation of athasikuwi-pisun, "tattoo medicine."

10:30 AM : Our Grandmother The Inlet

A hybrid documentary film that examines the lives of Kayah George, a young Indigenous woman, and her grandmother Ta7a, the daughter of the renowned Chief Dan George. Delving into their ancestral lineage, the film takes you on a poignant journey as it highlights the significance of Kayah’s deep connection to water, revered in the Tsleil-Waututh Nation as their oldest grandmother and the birthplace of creation. Amidst the backdrop of industry dominance, the film sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by Indigenous youth and their enduring spirit of gentle reclamation as they strive to reconnect with their culture, water, and land as kin and relatives. With its powerful imagery, infused with cultural nuances and the echoes of past and present Indigenous-led struggles, this timely production carries a profound and relevant message

10:30 AM : pî-kiwîk

pî-kiwîk, will bring viewers on a heartfelt journey of how reconnecting to one's culture and family can be life-changing, grounding and how it can provide a sense of belonging, pride and purpose .Through this short-documentary, I will capture my personal journey of reconnection as a mixed child of a 60s scoop survivor (disconnected generationally), a grandchild of 2 residential school survivors and as someone who grew up globally and disconnected from my family in kîwîtinohk kisiskâciwanihk. I will capture the raw emotions, the heartfelt inspiration, the nitty gritty of building relationships with my family while navigating intergenerational trauma and the beauty of it all, as seen in the scenery of the land, the waters, nohkom’s voice and heard in my reclamation and learning of the Woodland Cree language. Through the telling of my own personal story of returning to and finding home in my community in Northern Saskatchewan, I will convey the transformative power of finding oneself in relation to one's family, language and culture. Disconnection (due to colonization and forced assimilation) is a sadly common experience for Indigenous peoples across these lands, pî-kiwîk will not only show the strength within Indigenous communities and matriarchs but also that reconnection is possible. pî-kiwîk, come home, our families and ancestors are waiting for us.

10:30 AM : 6 minutes/km

In rhythm with the footsteps of her Atikamekws ancestors, Catherine immerses us in the dreamlike universe of her morning runs.

10:30 AM : (What They’ve Been Taught) explores expressions of

This film is part of a series and multimedia platform, made in partnership with Indigenous storytellers and their communities worldwide, invites learning from time-honored and current Indigenous ways of being. Facing a climate crisis, the Reciprocity Project embraces Indigenous value systems that have bolstered communities since the beginning of time. To heal, we must recognize that we are in relationship with Earth, a place that was in balance for millennia. More information at www.reciprocity.org.

Tradition & Culture

12:15 PM : Handgames in the Delta

A group of Indigenous Handgames players based in the Yukon travelled to four separate communities in the Delta region of the Northwest Territories (Inuvik, Aklavik, Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic) teaching Handgames to citizens. In addition to the history & culture being taught, selflessness and humility were major lessons in this ancient game. In the end, each community submitted a team to a Delta-wide tournament in Inuvik.

12:15 PM : Fire Tender

Fire Tender is a short documentary amplifying the voices and efforts of Yurok tribal members as they engage in cultural burning and other traditional practices toward ecological, cultural, and spiritual sustenance. The film’s story centers around contemporary Yurok women and their efforts to return Indigenous relationship with fire to the land. Fire Tender is about heeding the knowledge of Indigenous lifeways toward healing and nourishing both land and people.

November 7, 2023

10:30 AM : Tough Skin

Mosom (Grandfather) doesn't want to start a conflict after being treated unjustly by a medical professional. After a string of funny flashbacks, Granddaughter's fiery encouragement reminds Mosom of his strength to expect better. Throughout Mosom's journey, a good doctor shares important facts and reassurance that Indigenous people should expect decent health care.

Filmmaker Lese Skidmore ((RE)CLAIMING INDIAN STATUS, CIFF 2020) uses Indigenous humor and education to encourage Indigenous people to speak up when they are mistreated in medical situations. This rotoscope animation was created to address the ongoing issues of systemic discrimination in Canadian health care systems.

10:30 AM : Tough Skin

Director Montana Cypress gives a look into the perilous world of Alligator Wrestling through the eyes of Florida's Indian tribes. From a culture based practice to the commercially viable world of gator wrestling championships, we discover the innovative paths the tribes have embraced to sustain their sovereignty in an ever evolving world.

12:00 PM : Daughter of a Lost Bird

What does blood have to do with identity? Kendra Mylnechuk, an adult Native adoptee, born in 1980 at the cusp of the enactment of the Indian Child Welfare Act, is on a journey to reconnect with her birth family and discover her Lummi heritage.

Daughter of a Lost Bird touches on many issues currently facing Americans and Native Americans including cultural identity, tribal sovereignty, ICWA, adoption, recovery communities, and more.

2:00 PM : Café Daughter

In a small Saskatchewan town in the 1960s, Yvette Wong, a young girl of Chinese and Cree heritage, struggles with her Indigenous identity amidst family tragedy in this coming-of-age film directed by Mohawk artist and filmmaker Shelley Niro. Yvette’s mother, Katherine, discourages her from embracing her Cree identity, so she explores it in secret. As she learns more about herself and her Indigenous heritage, Yvette finds a friend in Maggie Wolf, who embraces being part Mi’kmaq and encourages Yvette to be proud of being Cree. When her classmates learn about her Cree ancestry, Yvette encounters the realities of being Indigenous, facing prejudice with pride and holding fast to her dream of becoming a doctor. Café Daughter is inspired by true events and based on Kenneth T. Williams’ play of the same name.

4:00 PM : Gift of Fear

Mili watched in horror as her mother was murdered, becoming another MMIW statistic. Now 17, Mili’s former crew kidnaps her girlfriend. Tribal cops and an agent from the Federal Missing and Murdered Unit are on the case, but Mili waited for the authorities once…she won’t wait this time.

November 8, 2023

For the Love of the Game: Part 2

10:30 AM : The Nationals

Meet the Haudenosaunee U21 lacrosse team as they compete at the 2022 World Lacrosse Men's U21 Championship. For the Haudenosaunee, lacrosse is more than just a game, it's a sacred tradition. Struggling to balance their personal dreams and the desire to represent the Haudenosaunee nation on the world stage, will they be able to pull together in time? The Nationals is a compelling film about two young men, Efrain and Clay, and the pressure and privilege of playing for a People.

10:30 AM : Native Ball: Legacy of A Trailblazer

Each year in the U.S., nearly 5,000 high-school girls’ basketball players earn a full-ride Division I scholarship. In 1992, only one was Native American: Blackfeet Nation’s Malia Kipp. Living in two worlds presented challenges, but Kipp carried the burden with grace and grit.

Described by her chief as “a warrior,” she blazed a heroic and inspiring trail for other Native girls to follow.

For the Love of the Game: Part 3

12:15 PM : Sacred Dog "Sunka Wakhan"

This is the story of the mighty Lakota and one family's fight against their historical bloody and impoverished past to teach their young about their own culture that is on the brink of extinction through the sport of Indian Relay - a sport derived from fighting battles against their enemies.

Resiliency

2:00 PM : Wiping the Tears

Wiping the Tears by Strong Buffalo. Music composition by Ben Weaver. Musicians: Ben Weaver, Bethany Lactoran, Liz Draper, and Micah NickyAn excerpt from the stage production, Tatanka, by Strong Buffalo, Produced in partnership with Pangea World Theater and Oyate Hotanin, performed at the Southern Theater, MPLS, MN September 2022 Film Production: Darren Johnson Cameras & Sound: Jared Johnson@Oyate Hotanin (Voice of the People) 2022

2:00 PM : Wallowing Bull

Wallowing Bull explores the cultural significance of the American bison. The bison, which was nearly extinct by the end of the 19th century due to systematic extermination, holds a special place in the hearts of many Native American tribes. Shot on location in the Wind River reservation, Indigenous singer-songwriter Christian Wallowing Bull works to bridge the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous perspectives.

2:00 PM : Walk With Me featuring Adrian Sutherland

It was December 2021 when elementary school teacher, Steve Pritchard, reached out to say his students had taken part in the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. They wanted to do something to make a difference and had an idea.

"Our intentions are to understand the steps needed to heal our community and nation from past wrongdoings. Our hopes are to create a video around the song Walk With Me, involving both younger and older grades, that represents our new learning about truth and reconciliation. This project will involve tracing of hands and feet to be used to create a mural of a heart, and posters with statements reflecting the 94 calls to action," wrote Pritchard.

Walk With Me is about going on a journey together, and sharing the same path, even if you both come from different places. With reconciliation in the forefront, it's more important now than ever before that we take time to walk with each other, and be willing to see the world through the eyes of another. This song also pays tribute to my grandparents, Moses and Juliette, and traditions of the past," says Sutherland, who wrote the song in 2019 with Serena Ryder and released it on his JUNO-nominated debut solo album When The Magic Hits in 2021.

This video happened because of Steve Pritchard, his inspiring students, and the support of Beachburg Public School. Everyone put their hearts and souls into it, along with feet and hands. It was an honour to capture such a special project, and to see the love and spirit put into their process.

2:00 PM : The Road Back To Cowessess

The Cowessess Residential School of Saskatchewan operated from 1898 to 1997, started by the Canadian Government and later operated by the Catholic Church. It was finally closed in 1997. For decades former students of residential schools across the country have complained about abuse and mistreatment while attending school. In the summer of 2021 ground penetrating radar discovered 751 unmarked graves on the grounds of the Cowessess Residential School. Six survivors of the school return to pay their respects, to reflect on the impact of the past, and demand reconciliation.

2:00 PM : Wounded Knee Survivors Run

This short film is a powerful story about the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890, a tragedy that still resonates in the hearts of many Native Americans today. It follows the journey of runners who, every year, travel from Wounded Knee to Bridger in South Dakota, retracing the steps of the massacre and saying prayers as they go. The film captures the beauty of the land, the emotion of the runners, and the solemnity of remembering a tragedy that affected so many lives. It is a story of remembrance, healing and hope for a better future.

2:00 PM : Braves Wear Braids

Braves Wear Braids is an empowering short documentary focused on encouraging Indigenous youth not to cut their hair. Through personal stories we look at the challenges faced by many Indigenous families to continue the long-standing tradition of wearing long hair in order to keep the connection that ties them, not only to their culture and ancestors, but also to Creator. Through education, understanding, and allyship this important piece of culture can continue to be passed down to future generations.

Suspense Thriller

4:00 PM : Zombies Don't Eat Stupid People

In a world with Zombies, a dysfunctional zombie control task force is the last line of defense. Led by the well-intentioned Captain Chris, his bumbling team is charged with investigating and containing zombie outbreaks.

4:00 PM : Amanisowin

Three friends embark on their first paranormal investigation at a family home only to find more than they were expecting.

4:00 PM : MONSTR

How do you go on living when everything is taken from you in the blink of an eye? A young artist confronts his inner demons while apprenticing with a northwest totem carver after the death of his beloved.

4:00 PM : The Beehive

"The Piers family, led by widowed single father Frank and his children Arron and Rosemary, grapples with the unexplainable—a cosmic event that disrupts their peaceful farm life.

Rosemary's curiosity leads her to an astonishing discovery—a mysterious growth on a tree branch, initially assumed to be a beehive. As she meticulously documents its unusual growth, the family is slow to realize the darkness it may harbour.

November 9, 2023

Tribal Touring & Youth Program

10:00 AM : Coyote and the Star Girls

Coyote wants nothing more than to be among the stars in the sky. But when his wish is granted is it more than he bargained for?

10:00 AM : Rooted in Resiliency

The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation was established in 1908 and was the largest Reservation in the State of California, consisting of 160 acres. During termination, they lost all but a few acres of land, which consisted of an offshore rock, a cemetery, and a church. Today the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation consists of over 950 acres of tribal-owned land and has over 1900 Tribal Citizens. This is their story.

10:00 AM : Everyday Tolowa

Tolowa Dee-Ni' language video - helping individuals learn and retain traditional language.

10:00 AM : Warrior Up!

Warrior Up! is a 13 x 22-minute documentary series that follows inspiring Indigenous youth making positive change in their communities! Whether it's defending the land, learning nearly lost Indigenous hunting and building techniques, feeding unsheltered relatives or helping decolonize the fashion industry, the young changemakers featured in this series are making an impact. Warrior Up! shares their inspiring journeys of activism in engaging, entertaining ways as our three hosts take turns traveling Turtle Island, jumping in to lend a hand alongside these young warriors. Inuk actor Anna Lambe, from Iqaluit, Nunavut, Anishnaabe actor Joshua Odjick, from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, and actor Joel Oulette, a member of the Cumberland House Cree and Red River Métis Nation, find themselves shooting arrows from horseback, improvising a rap, walking the runway, building a pit house and packing blessing bags, learning just what it means to be a warrior.

10:00 AM : The Fire

Colin & Marie are mourning the loss of their father/husband Bruce, but tonight he comes to visit Colin in a dream with an important message.

10:00 AM : Indigenous Enterprise Brings Powwow Dancing to the World Stage

In just seven years, the dance troupe Indigenous Enterprise has built an international following, competing in the fourth season of NBC’s prime-time show World of Dance, performing in a music video with Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, and dancing for thousands of basketball fans at the NBA finals in 2021. The dancers have been even featured in Vogue and the New York Times.

Founded on what Kenneth Shirley (Diné) calls the “Three Ps”—preservation, performance and progression—Indigenous Enterprise focuses on uplifting sacred dances and rituals. The material they perform has survived various attempts at cultural erasure imposed by both political and religious groups over centuries. “A hundred years ago, Natives were being thrown in prison for what we are doing today,” says founder Shirley, a champion Fancy War Dancer from Phoenix, Arizona, where 22 Native tribes are recognized.

6:30 PM : Fireside Chat | Jana Schmeiding & Jackie Keliiaa

Venture forth into a twilight of merriment and amusement with the remarkably funny Jackie Keliiaa of "Good Medicine Comedy" and the laughter-inducing charisma of Jana Schmeiding, known for her roles in "Rutherford Falls" and "Reservation Dogs". Come, and let the magic of their comedic enchantments surround you in a night of joyous revelry.

November 10, 2023

11:00 AM : Industry: Funders Panel

Be a part of the conversation! Join us for discussions about how to get funding for your upcoming film. We invite filmmakers, aspiring filmmakers and film lovers alike to join the conversation!

Guest Speakers include Davin Agatep, Associate Manager for ITVS: Francene Blythe-Lewis, Executive Director for Vision Maker Media; and Dawn Valadez, Director of Youth & Artistic Development for BAVC

November 11, 2023

AIFF Film Awards

6:30 PM: One Sky Project | To Seek Far: Thunderbird

To Seek Far: The sky is a powerful tool for measuring time, and for the Diné, or Navajo people, the Thunderbird transcends space and time, revealing the passage of seasons and connecting earth and sky. One Sky is a collection of beautiful short films about constellations, astronomical instruments and scientific knowledge from various cultures around the world. Each chapter is presented in an original and engaging way with its own artistic style featuring the work of international artists. Each film stands alone as a short story or in combination as a longer narrative.

6:30 PM: One Sky Project | Celestial Canoe

Finding Patterns: The First People of what is now northern Canada watched the slow turn of a canoe in the sky — mirroring the change in seasons on land. This celestial canoe guided them through a particularly challenging part of the year.

This film is part of the One Sky Project. Each short film represents the perspective of a different culture or Indigenous society from around the globe. Each film stands alone as a short story or in combination as a longer narrative — organized around themes of "Finding Patterns" and developing tools, or as we say, "To Seek Far."

6:30 PM: One Sky Project | Hawaiian Wayfinders

Finding Patterns: Hear from a Hawaiian navigator as she describes how the sky provides a compass and calendar for the oceanic people whose voyages connected islands throughout the Pacific Ocean.

This film is part of the One Sky Project. Each short film represents the perspective of a different culture or Indigenous society from around the globe. Each film stands alone as a short story or in combination as a longer narrative — organized around themes of "Finding Patterns" and developing tools, or as we say, "To Seek Far.

Date : November 3 - 11, 2023

Location : Various Venues in San Francisco, CA

Click Here for More Information.