Welcoming the audience, Nabin Subba, the chairman of the Indigenous Film Archive (IFA) said, “NIIFF has now become truly international. We started with a vision to attract indigenous filmmakers and five years down the line we are honored to play host to the work of such varied talents.” [break]
Explaining the theme of this year’s festival, Subba added, “We have screened films on different themes in the last four years. This year through introspection we realized that the festival wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of our women crew.
So to celebrate their contribution we are screening films on the theme of the indomitable spirit of the indigenous women.”
Renchin Yonzon, the festival director, shed light on the issues being raised by the festival.
“The films bring together two generations of women, their hopes and fears. In the next few days, you will be able to meet many powerful women on screen.”
Yonzon also read out the Kathmandu declaration of indigenous women, prepared after the workshop on, “the evolving indigenous woman” held at the Hotel Radisson, Lazimpat on Thursday.
The festival opened with “The Global Nomad,” a 50 minute documentary directed by Liv Inger Somby. The audience was also entertained by a beautiful dance performance by 16 artists depicting Nepal’s different indigenous films.
Special attractions at the festival include the showcasing of wearable art and workshops by filmmakers.
Today the festival will be screening 11 films in total. Listed below are a few from the lot.
At City Hall
Little Caughnawaga:To Brooklyn and Back
(Inuktitut/ Canada – 2008/56’40”)
12:00 pm
Language: English / Mohawk
Genre: Documentary
Director & Script Writer: Reaghan Tarbell
Synopsis: This film is about the personal story of Mohawk filmmaker Reaghan Tarbell from Kahnawake, Quebec. She explores her cultural roots and traces the connections of her family to the Mohawk community in Brooklyn, New York.
Taku Rakau E:The Walking Stick
(New Zealand – 2010/2’15’)
Language: Te Reo Mãori
Subtitle: English
Genre: Song
Director: Kararaina Rangihau
Synopsis:The song Taku Rakau E is believed to have been written and composed by the revered Tuhoe Mihikitekapua in 1873 when she was over 100 years old. The beautiful song elaborates how warring nations fight over the breathtaking and treasured region around Lake Waikaremoana.
This film captures the strength of Mihikitekapua’s spirit, the ancient art of storytelling and the significance of this sacred melody that has survived through generations.
Before Tomorrow
(Inuktitut/ Canada – 2008/92’)
3:15 pm
Language: Inuktitut
Subtitle: English
Genre: Fiction
Directors: Marie-Heline Cousineau & Madeline Ivalu
Actors: Madeline Ivalu, Paul Dylan Ivalu, Peter-Henry Annatsiaq, Mary Qulitalik & Tumanie Sivuarapik
Synopsis: Two isolated families meet after many years. It is summer; a happy time to celebrate their reunion. Elders tell stories; young people get married and plans are made for the future. Despite the joyful mood, Ningiuq, an old woman of strength and wisdom, cannot stop worrying. She sees the world around her as fragile and feels unease about something she cannot comprehend. What is it?
At Nepal Tourism Board
Six Miles Deep
(Canada - 2009/45’)
12:00 pm
Language: English
Subtitle: English
Genre: Documentary
Director & Script Writer: Sara Roque
Synopsis: A courageous and uncompromising look into the lives and hearts of the women who stood behind the lines during the 2006 Caledonia/Six Nations land claim dispute. This intimate portrayal celebrates the role of clan mothers from past to present while giving voice to the hopes and dreams of an entire community.
We Still Live Here:Âs Nutayuneân
(Wampanoag/USA – 2011/56’)
4:30 pm
Language of the Film: English
Subtitle: English
Genre: Documentary
Director, Producer & Scriptwriter: Anne Makepeace
Synopsis: The film elaborates the amazing story of the return of the Wampanoag language, a language that was silenced for more than a century. The Wampanoag Indians’ ancestors ensured the survival of the first English settlers in America--the Pilgrims--and lived to regret it.
A century ago, after nearly 300 years of contact, their language virtually disappeared. Now, spurred on by an indomitable Wampanoag woman named Jessie Littledoe Baird, recent winner of a MacArthur genius award for her unprecedented linguistic work, the Wampanoag are bringing their language and their culture back to life.
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